§ MR. FLYNN (Cork Co., N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department will he state how many police constables were injured in the riot which took place in Birmingham on 18th December last; whether any persons taking part in the disturbances were identified by the police; and if so, how many have been prosecuted; whether his attention has been called to incitements to disorder on the day of, and on several days previous to, the antiwar meeting in the Town Hall; and whether any proceedings have been instituted against any persons who were 30 responsible for these incitements to violence.
§ * MR. RITCHIENinety-seven constables were assaulted on the 18th December, and on that day ten persons were arrested and were subsequently convicted of assaulting the police and doing wilful injury. Feeling, unfortunately, ran very high on the subject of the meeting, and this feeling was reflected in the Press, but I am not aware of any evidence of incitement to violence which would justify proceedings being taken.
§ MR. FLYNNWill any of the constables who have been injured be recompensed, as they are in similar cases in Ireland?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order; that does not arise out of the Question.
§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of importing a couple of Irish Removables to deal with these cases?
§ * MR. SPEAKER.—Order, order!