HC Deb 27 April 1903 vol 121 cc474-6
MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that a detachment of the Royal Irish Constabulary stationed at Magherafelt on the 13th instant made, in the absence of their officer, a baton charge on a number of bandsmen; and whether, in view of the personal injury inflicted, he will order a sworn inquiry to be made.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question, may I ask whether the police were not forced to draw their swords in self protection, that one policeman was actually shot with a revolver, and that the whole row was caused by an Orange mob.

Mr. ATKINSON

Proceedings have been instituted by the Crown against a number of persons for participating in the disturbances on this occasion. The action of the police will no doubt be fully investigated by the magistrates on the hearing of these cases; but in any case the question whether further investigation in the direction suggested is called for must await the result of the pending proceedings. As regards the supplemental question it would be most improper to answer such an inquiry whilst legal proceedings are pending.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

said he was not asking the right hon. Gentleman for an expression of opinion but was only putting to him a question of fact—namely, whether the police were not forced to draw their swords in self-defence.

MR. SPEAKER

That question has been already dealt with by the answer.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

No, sir!

MR. GORDON (Londonderry, S.)

asked whether, in view of the fact that only one summons had been issued, he would give directions for the furnishing of the names of all the policemen who charged the public, with a view to further proceedings being taken.

MR. ATKINSON

To do that would be to give an opinion on the legal proceedings now pending. When they have terminated the hon. Member may put another Question on the subject.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

As a matter of simple fact, was not a revolver fired on the police on this occasion?

MR. ATKINSON

That is one of the matters in controversy.

MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)

Is it in controversy that a policeman was actually shot?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The right hon. Member has been fully answered and Members must not argue it.