§ 25. Mr. CHARLES CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he has received any report from the constabulary with reference to the assault on Canon Atkinson whilst on his way to the post office at Limerick on the evening of Thursday, 17th October, shortly after six o'clock? whether he is aware that Canon Atkinson was then attacked with stones and filth, and also received several blows, one of which knocked him down; and whether any person or persons have been arrested in respect of this assault?
§ Mr. BIRRELLOn the morning of the 11th October Canon Atkinson informed the county inspector that he had been attacked by the crowd when returning from the meeting held in the theatre on the previous evening and had to take refuge in the post office, but that he was not hurt. Proceedings are being taken in connection with this occurrence, and, as the matter is sub judice, I cannot make any further statement at present.
§ Mr. JOYCEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the fact that a large number of responsible persons in the city of Limerick have made a public statement to the effect that the whole disturbance was caused by 2357 the county inspector of police letting loose a body of horse police on a peaceable crowd?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWell, I do not believe it.