§ Mr. J. B. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to a case heard at the Newtown-hamiltown Quarter Sessions, on the 21st instant, in which Sergeant Carroll, Royal Irish Constabulary, was charged with 1009 assault at Maguiresbridge; whether he is aware that the assault was committed in an attempt to prevent the hoisting of a Union Jack upon private grounds, and that the defendant stated that he had acted under authority, but declined to produce his authority to the court without the consent of the Government; and whether he will state upon what grounds the sergeant of police was authorised to interfere with persons who were hoisting the flag of their country upon private land?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMy attention has been called to the case to which the hon. Member refers. I understand that the sergeant has appealed against the decision of the county court judge. The case is, therefore, still sub judice, and it is not desirable to make any statement on the subject.