§ 86. Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on Wednesday night last a force of police was drafted into the town of Edgeworthstown to prevent a meeting of the Town Tenants League there, and that without provocation of any kind the police set upon the people and batoned them, six men and some women and children being seriously 2660 wounded; will he say who ordered this baton charge; who was in command of the police; and will he direct an inquiry into the whole matter immediately?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe police authorities inform me that on the 31st July a meeting of the Town Tenants and Labour Leagues was held at Edgeworthstown. The meeting was not interfered with in any way until the crowd attempted to proceed towards the residence of the landlord whom the meeting was called to denounce. The district inspector informed them that he could not allow them to proceed further in that direction, when an attempt was made to rush the police, a sergeant was knocked down and the district inspector struck with a heavy stone. The district inspector then ordered the police to draw batons and charge. The police saw no women or children in the crowd, and, so far as they know, no civilian was seriously wounded, although probably some received slight injuries. Fourteen police were injured from stones and broken bottles thrown by the crowd. I see no reason for any inquiry into the matter.
§ Mr. FARRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that sixteen people had to receive medical treatment as the result of this baton charge, and inasmuch as his information comes from the district inspector whose action is impugned, will lie hold an independent enquiry into the whole transaction?
§ Mr. BIRRELLSixteen civilians were injured and fourteen police were injured also, so it is not unequal.
§ Mr. FARRELLIs it a fact that the police were armed and the crowd were not?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know what you call a broken bottle.