HC Deb 06 August 1902 vol 112 cc792-3
MR. CULLINAN (Tipperary, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on the afternoon of Sunday, 20th July, after the holding of athletic sports in French Park, County Roscommon, a body of policemen drew their batons against the people; whether he is aware that a Pressman who was present in the discharge of his duty was assaulted by a policeman, and that the sergeant declined to give the name of the constable who assaulted him, at the same time asking the Pressman to say no more about it; and will he cause an independent inquiry to be made into the conduct of the police on the occasion.

MR. WYNDHAM

This was a purely social and sporting gathering. Several policemen competed in the event with other athletes. A very large number of people were present, including Lord and Lady De Freyne, who were received with a cordiality which marked all the proceedings at the sports. A disturbance occurred in the village after the conclusion of the sports, and the police were drawn across the road in order to keep back the crowd. A newspaper reporter attempted to force a passage through the police and was pushed back by a constable. The sergeant declined to give the name of the latter, who used no more force than was necessary. Batons were drawn, but not used. I see no ground for further inquiry into the action of the police, which was similar to that necessarily taken by the police in this country at any racemeeting or large concourse of people.

MR. CULLLNAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that portion of the Question which refers to the Pressman who was assaulted by the police, and who was asked by the sergeant to say no more about it?

MR. WYNDHAM

That does not represent the facts. I understand that the reporter subsequently expressed his regret to the sergeant for the manner in which, in the heat of the moment, he had addressed him.

MR. DILLON

If the police used no more force than was necessary, why refuse to disclose the constable's name and have the matter tried in a court of justice?

MR. WYNDHAM

If the reporter, after having expressed regret, wishes for the name of the constable, he has only to ask for it.

MR. DILLON

Will the right hon. Gentleman obtain the information from the sergeant?