§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a report of the riotous proceedings at Birr on Friday night last; whether he will state the cause of the disturbance and how many casualties occurred among the constabulary; and whether any arrests were made.
§ MR. BIRRELLOn Friday last thirteen prisoners were being taken to the railway station at Birr for conveyance to prison, when stones were thrown at the police. About twenty policemen were struck with stones, but none were seriously injured. The assailants were at once dispersed by a baton charge, but no arrests were possible. The crowd who threw stones were strangers in the town, and the police who were stoned did not belong to the local force. As a result one offender only was identified, and particulars of the evidence against him are being obtained with a view to a prosecution.
§ MR. BIRRELLI do not know.
§ MR. LONSDALEHow many police are there there now?
§ MR. BIRRELLI will inquire.