§ MR. MORRELLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has made inquiries into the allegations of brutality and rough usage made against the police in their treatment of women who took part in a demonstration outside this House on Wednesday last; whether he is aware that, in consequence of the violence shown by one of the constables, two ladies who were standing by asked him to give his number, which he refused to do; whether he was justified in refusing; and, if not, whether he will at once issue instructions on this subject so as to afford some protection to the public.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI have made inquiries and I find no reason to believe that any brutality or unnecessary force was used by the police on Wednesday last. No complaint has reached me from 837 those who were arrested. Only one specific allegation has been made, and that I am investigating. There is a Standing Order which requires constables to give their number when asked for it, but in the turmoil of last Wednesday it is possible that a request for a constable's number may not have been heard or may not have been heeded. Every man's number is, however, prominently displayed at two places, on the collar of the tunic jacket or greatcoat and on the helmet.
§ [No Answer was returned.]