§ Mr. MOOREasked the Chief Secretary if he will state how many persons were tried at the last Belfast Assizes for riot, assaults on the police, and kindred offences committed within the week ending the 15th July in the neighbourhood of the Falls-road; how many were convicted on such charges; what were the sentences imposed; how many of those so convicted were Protestants; if he is aware that the riots in question were carried on in the Nationalist quarter of the town, in an exclusively Roman Catholic district, and were solely directed against the police without interference from any other party; and if it is proposed to take steps to further strengthen or augment the police force in this part of West Belfast?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNineteen persons were tried at the last Belfast Assizes for riot in the neighbourhood of Falls-road during the week ended 19th July last. Seventeen were convicted of riot and two of riot and assaults on the police. Fifteen were sentenced to 12 months, and three to eight months' imprisonment with hard labour, while one (a boy) was discharged on his father's bail. I understand that none of those charged were Protestants. The statements in the remaining portion of the question are correct. The responsible police authorities do not consider that there is any present necessity for increasing the police force in West Belfast.