HC Deb 07 August 1912 vol 41 cc3162-3
73. Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that at Edgeworthstown, county Longford, the police, acting under orders of District-Inspector Marrinan, attacked a crowd of 200 persons with batons, inflicting wounds on sixteen men, most of whom had to get their wounds dressed by Dr. Yorke, dispensary medical officer at Edgeworthstown; whether this attack was ordered without warning or notice of any kind to the people; whether he is aware that the crowd were returning to the district of Ardagh, to which they belonged, and were going the direct route to the same; and whether, as no violence was attempted by the crowd beyond attempting to push their way through the police cordon, he is prepared to order an independent police inquiry into the whole matter with a view lo ascertaining the true facts of this assault upon defenceless people?

Mr. BIRRELL

I would refer the hon. Member to the, reply given to his question on this subject on the 5th instant, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. FARRELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that reply was very unsatisfactory?