HC Deb 26 July 1909 vol 8 cc848-9
Mr. LUNDON

asked the Chief Secretary if he would explain why the police struck and wounded defenceless people in the village of Cappamore, county Limerick, on the night of 4th May last; did the police on this particular occasion force their way into private houses and attempt to assault those whom they found in such houses; and is he aware of the injury inflicted upon John O'Connell by a stroke of a gun on this occasion without his giving any provocation?

Mr. BIRRELL

The police were obliged to charge and disperse a mob at Cappamore on the night of 5th May, because the mob had attacked them violently with stones. The police did not force their way into private houses, but they followed some of the stone - throwers into a butcher's shop. John O'Connell, one of the most prominent members of the mob, was struck either with a baton or the butt of a rifle. He had previously been strongly advised by the police to go home.

Mr. LUNDON

Is there one word in the police report to suggest that a policeman suffered from a wound of any description, which would doubtless have been the case if the mob had attacked them violently with stones?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must ask for information, and not give it.