§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the attack made upon Major Dease, R.M., at Birr, on Friday night; and what steps he proposes to take to protect from violence magistrates who discharge the obligations of their office.
§ VISCOUNT TURNOUR (Sussex, Horsham)At the same time may I ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Major Dease, resident magistrate, was struck by a stone when returning from the court-house at Birr, on Friday last; and whether in future he will take steps to ensure the safety of magistrates re-turning from the performance of their duty.
§ MR. BIRRELLIt is the fact that Major Dease was struck by a stone at Birr on Friday last, but I am glad to say that he was not hurt. He was not 709 returning from the court-house at the time, the proceedings in court having concluded more than an hour before. The police were escorting prisoners to the station; Major Dease happened to be passing along the street when stones were thrown at the police, and he was unfortunately struck by one of the stones. The police were not aware that he would be there at the time. In the event of any further proceedings at Birr, the police will make full arrangements to secure the safety of the magistrates.
§ MR. KETTLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Resident Magistrate is a Catholic?
§ [No Answer was returned.]