HC Deb 29 March 1909 vol 3 cc31-2
Mr. HAYDEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the charge delivered at the recent assizes in county Roscommon by Mr. Justice Johnson, and the statement therein contained that the county is in a highly satisfactory condition, and to the fact that at the recent quarter sessions there was no criminal case before the county court judge, who was presented with white gloves; and whether, in view of these facts, and that this state of things has been in existence for a considerable time, and to the statement contained in a recent resolution of the county council that the ordinary police force is more than sufficient for the wants of the county, he will relieve the ratepayers of the burden cast upon them by the presence in the county of a large force of extra police?

Mr. BIRRELL

My attention has been called to a newspaper report of the learned judge's charge, and also to the fact that there were no criminal cases for trial at the recent Roscommon Quarter Sessions. As regards the latter part of the question I have nothing to add to my reply to the question asked by the hon. Member on the 22nd instant.

Mr. HAYDEN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the statement in the newspapers is true that the extra police have been removed from Rossommon?

Mr. BIRRELL

Have they been removed?

Mr. HAYDEN

Yes, that statement is in the papers to-day.

Mr. BIRRELL

I did not know that, but I know that their removal is pending, and I hope it will be carried out.