HC Deb 13 March 1902 vol 104 cc1280-1
* MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the police have made any report in regard to a riot at Blackskul, near Dromore, County Down, on the night of the 6th instant; whether he is aware that a public meeting, convened for the purpose of starting a co operative creamery in the district, was prevented from being held, by an organised crowd, two Presbyterian ministers and the Roman Catholic curate being assaulted, stories thrown into Mr. James Wilson's house, and three or four men being injured by stones thrown by the crowd; whether any person has been made amenable; and if the authorities will take steps to see that meetings for a public and legal object are not subject to mob treatment in future.

MR. WYNDHAM

Yes, Sir; full reports have been made of these disgraceful occurrences. The police did not anticipate disturbance at the meeting, and although one of the promoters had heard there would be opposition two days before it was announced to be held, he did not inform the police. When they arrived on the scene at midnight the rioters had dispersed. Two men have been identified as having taken part in the rioting, and every effort is being made to bring other offenders to justice. Ample protection will be afforded to persons attending such meetings in the locality in future. As I have stated, the police would have been present on this occasion had they been made aware of the intended opposition.

* MR. T. W. RUSSELL

Will the men who are to be made amenable be taken in the ordinary course before petty sessions, or will the Crown send down a prosecutor from Dublin?

MR. WYNDHAM

Every step will be taken to secure that justice will be done, but I cannot say the exact course which will be pursued.

* MR. T. W. RUSSELL

Will steps be taken to convince these people that there is no connection between separated milk and the Crown and Constitution?

MR. MACVEAGH

May I ask whether, in view of the fact that this is the third meeting broken up in this district, the right hon. Gentleman will, by the erection of a police barracks or otherwise, afford some protection to life and property?

[No answer was returned.]