HC Deb 23 March 1911 vol 23 cc596-7
Mr. HUGH BARRIE

asked the Chief Secretary, whether he is aware that when passing the village of Upperlands, county of Londonderry, on Friday last, thirty to forty shots were fired from an excursion train returning from Toome, with the members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Society; that the works of William Clark and Sons and the houses of their workers were riddled with bullets; and that one of their workers, who was on the highway, was injured, and Mr. Clark had a narrow escape; and will he state what action has been taken to bring the authors of the outrage to justice?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Inspector-General informs me that on 17th March, as an excursion train returning from Toomebridge was passing Upperlands several revolver shots were fired from the carriages opposite the works of Messrs. William Clark and Sons. It is not a fact that the works of Messrs. Clark and the houses of their workers were riddled with bullets, but a worker, who was standing in the road some distance away, stated that he had been struck by a bullet. There was no mark of any kind upon him or on his clothes, but a small bullet was picked up off the road at the place. Mr. H. Clark was standing on the public road at the time. The police state that they heard the sound of bullets strike the wall beside them, but were unable to identify any of the persons who fired the shots.

Captain CRAIG

Did the police make any attempt at the next station where the train stopped to discover who was responsible for firing these shots at innocent people standing on the road?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am not able to say whether the police took that particular step.

Captain CRAIG

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an effort at once to try to bring to justice these people who were responsible for firing at these innocent people standing on the road?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am perfectly sure that the police require no intimation from me to do the utmost of their duty to protect the public from these outrages.

Mr. HUGH BARRIE

Was the district inspector of police actually present on the public highway when this outrage took place?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have given an account of the particulars as described to me.

Captain CRAIG

Is it a fact that the police authorities take their cue from the weak nature of your administration?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, Sir. That is absolutely untrue in every respect.