HC Deb 21 July 1909 vol 8 cc515-6
Mr. JOHN MURPHY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what has been the result of the inquiry into the action of Sergeant Long, of Patrickswell, county Kerry, who at the recent Castleisland eviction was charged with assaulting Mr. P. J. Kearney, vice-chairman, Tralee Board of Guardians; whether the assault was committed after Commandant Ball gave Mr. Kearney, as guardian for the division, permission to be present; whether Sergeant Long refused to disclose his identity till compelled to do so by Inspector Barring-ton; and what action he proposes to take in reference to the matter?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

I have caused inquiry to be made into the matter, and find that on the occasion in question Sergeant Long was ordered to remove some people from a fence near Walsh's house, as they were encouraging and advising the occupants of the house in resisting and assaulting the police. Amongst others he removed Mr. Kearney. It is true that the latter had obtained permission earlier in the day from Mr. Ball to pass through the line of police, but the sergeant was not aware of this, and was bound to carry out his orders. I have no reason to suppose that the sergeant used more force than necessary; but if Mr. Kearney thinks he has any ground of complaint, he has his legal remedy. The sergeant refused at first to give his name to Mr. Kearney, but subsequently gave it at the bidding of his officer.

Mr. J. MURPHY

May I ask whether every statement I made in the question is correct; and whether, having regard to the correctness of those statements, he thinks it sufficient to present an untruthful answer on the part of the Constabulary?

Mr. SPEAKER

As to the first part of the hon. Member's statement, the House may judge for itself from the answer whether it corresponds with the hon. Member's question; and as to the latter part of the expression used by the hon. Member, it is improper, and the hon. Member must not put questions in that form, which is very offensive.

Mr. MURPHY

May I say that what I wanted to convey was that the police authorities had given the right hon. Gentleman—

Mr. SPEAKER

Then the hon. Gentleman should put his question in a less offensive form. To suggest that the answer given is untruthful leads to considerable disagreeableness.

Mr. MURPHY

May I say that it is very hard to put it when all the information given is of the character of the answer.

Mr. SPEAKER

I could very easily suggest to the hon. Member words which would not be so offensive.