HC Deb 24 July 1913 vol 55 cc2197-9
20. Mr. WILLIAM ARCHER REDMOND

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to an attack made upon Mr. Bernard Conway, while exercising his ordinary duty as reporter for the "Dungannon Democat," at a Unionist meeting addressed by the hon. and learned Member for South Tyrone, at Castlecaulfield, county Tyrone, on the 12th instant; whether he is aware that Mr. Conway was knocked down and assaulted several times, and that when he eventually reached Dungannon collapsed during surgical treatment; whether he is aware that a Protestant clergyman, who intervened on his behalf, was himself set upon by the mob and received blows upon the head and body; whether any police were present; and, if so, what action did they take to protect Mr. Conway and the reverend gentleman; and whether any of the perpetrators of this outrage have been brought to justice?

Mr. BIRRELL

My attention has been called to the wanton attack made upon Mr. Conway on the occasion referred to. I am glad to learn from the police that although Mr. Conway was knocked down and received several kicks he was found on examination by the doctor not to be seriously injured. The Protestant clergyman who intervened on his behalf was not set upon by the mob, but received a number of blows intended for Mr. Conway. He, however, suffered little injury. There were only eight police present when the assault took place as no disturbance was anticipated. They did all in their power to protect these two gentlemen. Some of Mr. Conway's assailants have been identified, and the question of a prosecution is being considered.

Mr. HORNER

I wish to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has been informed that the alleged assault referred to in the question took place after the Castlecaulfield meeting was over and when the hon. Member for South Tyrone was at another meeting some miles distant; that it took place upon the road when Mr. Conway, the reporter, was on his way to the railway station; that it originated in a private quarrel between him and an irresponsible person unconnected with party politics; that gentlemen who had been at the demonstration, including Colonel Brown and Rev. Gordon Scott, saved the reporter from his assailants; and that though the incident has been greatly exaggerated every law-abiding man deplores it?

Mr. BIRRELL

I can hardly be expected to be acquainted with all these facts. I understand the hon. Member was not present when the assault took place, and I am sure we all deplore the incident.

Mr. W. A. REDMOND

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Rev. Mr. Simpson was speaking from the platform at the time when this outrage took place, and, if that is so, is he also aware that such an outrage has never taken place at a Nationalist meeting before in any portion of Ireland at any time during any campaign?

Mr. HORNER

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

I should like to see all these questions on the Paper.