HC Deb 25 April 1902 vol 106 c1331
MR. P. J. O'BRIEN (Tipperary, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware of an occurrence which took place on the evening of Wednesday the 16th instant, at Borrisoleigh, North Tipperary, when Mr. William Carrol, honorary secretary to the United Irish League, while on his lawful business in the street, was attacked, pushed into the roadway, and knocked down in the mud by the police, although there was no disturbance or any assembly in the street at the time; also that, on demanding the cause of such treatment, Mr. Carroll was a second time assaulted, called opprobrious names, and beaten by the police, having to run for safety to his home; and will he cause a full inquiry to be held into all the circumstancse of the case.

MR. WYNDHAM

The occurrence to which the Question presumably refers took place on the 9th, not the 16th instant. On the former date a force of police was leaving the village, when they encountered a disorderly crowd, who groaned and hooted them. Mr. Carroll was at the head of this crowd. The District Inspector who was present, assures me he was not ill-treated, and that he made no inquiry as to the cause of his treatment. Mr. Carroll is reported to me to have been violent in his conduct, and the police, believing that a breach of the peace was imminent, considered it desirable to remove him to his own house. I have no information before me that the police used more force than was necessary on the occasion. But if any representations are made in writing by Mr. Carroll, and forwarded to me, I will cause further inquiry to be made.

MR. P. J. O'BRIEN

Mr. Carroll is prepared to depose on oath to everything stated in the Question.