HC Deb 17 April 1907 vol 172 cc993-4
CAPTAIN CRAIG

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland how many, if any, extra police have been required to maintain order in the districts of Shankhill, Caldramore, and The Palace, near Elphin, county Roscommon, within the last four weeks; whether he has any official information showing that the recent disturbances in that part of the country are the outcome of the propaganda of the United Irish League; and whether, on the 1st instant, the resident magistrate had to be sent for to read the Riot Act, but was not available owing to his being in another part of that district, about two miles away, where a disturbance was raging.

MR. BIRRELL

The force at Elphin Police Station has been strengthened by the addition of six men from adjacent stations. A force of extra police has been brought into Elphin for the preservation of the peace on three occasions, namely, on 31st March, seventy men; on 6th instant, eighteen men; and on 14th instant, seventy men. I am informed that certain local branches of the United Irish League have organised demonstrations with the object of manifesting their opposition to the grazing system. It is not the fact that on the 1st instant or on any other day the resident magistrate was required to read the Riot Act.

*VISCOUNT TURNOUR (Sussex, Horsham)

Can the right hon. Gentleman state if there is any connection between the Camberwell and Elphin branches of the League?

MR. BIRRELL

I imagine not, Sir.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

Upon whom will fall the cost of this large force of police?

MR. BIRRELL

The case will follow the ordinary rule.