HC Deb 07 December 1911 vol 32 cc1568-9
Mr. NEWMAN

asked whether the police authorities have made any arrests in connection with the outrage inflicted on the Cork postmaster by striking him with a stone some few days ago; and whether this gentleman has applied for and will receive special police protection in view of the afore-mentioned occurrence?

Mr. BIRRELL

No arrests up to the present have been made in this case. The postmaster will receive all necessary police protection.

Mr. NEWMAN

Is the postmaster an Englishman?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am afraid I shall have to have notice of that. I have nothing whatever to do with the post office.

Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that posters were placed in prominent positions in Cork city on the 27th ult., stating that no Papist need apply for higher appointments in the Cork post office and drawing the attention of citizens to the fact that street preachers and freemasons were being placed over the heads of Catholics for superior appointments by anti-Catholic and imported English postmasters; whether the police have instituted any inquiries on the subject; and with what result?

Mr. BIRRELL

The police authorities inform me that placards were posted as stated. The police have been unable to trace the parties responsible for the posting of them.