HC Deb 27 October 1902 vol 113 cc811-2
MR. FLYNN (Cork Co., N.)

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the serious rioting and disturbances in connection with the rectorial election campaign in Glasgow, and to the fact that an attack was made on the Liberal Committee by the supporters of the opposing candidate, and that police constables were injured; will he say whether any arrests were made in connection with these disturbances; and whether adequate precautions for the protection of life and property during the progress of these rectorial contests in Scotland will be taken by the authorities.

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. A. GRAHAM MURRAY,) Buteshire

Inquiry has been made into the occurrences at Glasgow referred to by the hon. Member, and I am informed that they cannot be described as serious, that both political parties among the students have taken part in them, that one policeman was slightly injured but not, it is believed, by the act of a student, that no arrests have been made, that no damage has been done to property other than that belonging to the students, and that the assaults on party head-quarters have been carried out in perfect good-humour, and have usually been the prelude to a united smoking concert. The Chief Constable has taken adequate precautions for the protection of life and property, and, in these circumstances, 1 am not prepared to recommend any exceptional measures for the suppression of disorder.

MR. FLYNN

Is it because the students are supporters of the Chief Secretary that no action will be taken?

No answer was returned.