HC Deb 12 July 1905 vol 149 cc399-400
MR. DELANY (Queen's County, Ossory)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state upon what date Constable Masterton, a fugitive from justice, disappeared from Maryborough; whether he was living in the police barrack; and whose duty it was to report his disappearance.

MR. WALTER LONG

Constable Masterton disappeared from Maryborough where he was living in the police barracks, or June 30th. It was the duty of the district inspector to report his disappearance, and he did so.

MR. SHEEHY (Meath, S.)

How soon after the man's disappearance?

MR. WALTER LONG

I cannot say. I imagine immediately.

MR. DELANY

The man disappeared on Friday. The assizes at which he should have surrendered were held on the following Wednesday. What steps were taken in the meantime to trace him?

MR. WALTER LONG

He was on his own recognisance, and there was therefore no power to arrest him.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

But surely there was power to keep him under observation. In view of the fact that more than one officer of the Royal Irish Constabulary under a serious charge has recently absconded, what steps were taken in this matter?

MR. WALTER LONG

Several officers have not absconded since I have been in this office.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

But several have within the last two or three years.

A NATIONALIST MEMBER

Sheridan, for instance.

MR. WALTER LONG

I will inquire.

MR. CULLINAN (Tipperary, S.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman institute a sworn inquiry?

MR. WALTER LONG

Into what?

MR. CULLINAN

Into whether the police assisted this man to escape.

MR. WALTER LONG

I very much doubt whether such an inquiry would be the best means of arriving at the information desired. I cannot answer the Question until I have heard from the Inspector-General what steps were taken. If anything has not been done which ought to have been done, the hon. Member may be sure it will be looked into.

MR. HAVILAND BURKE (King's County, Tullamore)

Is not a man under his own recognisances kept under observation?

MR. WALTER LONG

I am not aware, but there are often cases in this country where accused persons fail to answer to their bail.