§ MR. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give any explanation of the absence of the police for over twenty minutes while a disturbance was taking place in St. George's Street, Wapping, over the breaking into of a house by an under tenant, who alleged his landlord had illegally evicted him early on Saturday, 8th June, 1901, and whether any proceedings were taken by the police against the under tenant, who was arrested by them; if so, can he state what punishment was inflicted on him.
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. RITCHIE, Croydon)This case was one of assault preferred by a private person, and the prisoners were arrested on his charging them. They duly appeared 557 before the magistrate, and were discharged. Nothing was said as to the absence of police during the disturbance, which occurred chiefly inside the house, but constables were there at 7.40 and again at 8 on the night in question.
§ MR. MURPHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was a witness myself of the absence of the police?