§ MR. SLOANI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who were present on the Falls Road, Belfast, on 11th August, 1907, when the not Act was read and the military compelled to fire on the rioters; how many of these men were afterwards examined before the coroner and jury at the inquest held on the persons killed; what was the nature of their evidence; and is it the intention of the Government to have them examined before the Select Committee at present sitting.
§ MR. CHERRYMy right hon. friend the Secretary of State for War has asked me to answer this Question. On the occasion referred to, which was 12th, not 11th, of August, 1907, three sergeants and about ten constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary were present at the point at which firing took place. Two of the sergeants were examined at the inquest, and their evidence was to the effect that a large mob of rioters were fiercely stoning the police and military, some of whom were struck by stones and knocked down before the firing took place. The question of the witnesses to be examined before the Select Committee was one for the decision of the Committee itself. I understand that the Committee has concluded the examination of witnesses, and has adjourned for the consideration of its Report.