HC Deb 12 June 1913 vol 53 cc1767-8
33. Mr. HAVILAND-BURKE

asked the Chief Secretary whether, having regard to his statement that no constable was seriously hurt in the recent affray on grazing lands on the Ashtown estate, near Clonbullogue, King's County, he will cause inquiries to be made as to the batoning of the people on that occasion; whether he is aware that two young men were so severely injured by the constabulary that their lives were in imminent danger and their clergy called for to administer the rites of their Church; and why a special police force, quartered on this district for the benefit of graziers owing to the protracted delay of the Estates Commissioners in proceeding with the purchase of the Ashtown estate, was unable to maintain order against an unarmed crowd without such an unnecessary display of violence?

Mr. BIRRELL

On the occasion referred to a crowd of 300 persons attacked eighteen police who tried to prevent them driving the cattle off the lands referred to, and the police were obliged to use their batons in self-defence. I am not aware that any of the crowd which attacked the police were so injured as to endanger their lives.

Mr. KILBRIDE

Will the right hon. Gentleman acquaint himself with the history of this estate, and when he has acquainted himself with the history of this estate from which fifty tenants were evicted by a former landlord, will he use his best offices with the Estates Commissioners to have it purchased, and the representatives of the former evicted tenants put back on their own holdings?

Mr. BIRRELL

That is another matter. I am most concerned at the present moment with the protection of the police who in this particular matter were subjected to a very savage attack which I am glad to say they repelled with considerable vigour.

Mr. KILBRIDE

Is the landlord of this estate, Lord Ashtown, now a bankrupt, and would it not be in the interests of the estate to get some ready money?

Mr. BIRRELL

I quite appreciate that point.

Mr. HAVILAND-BURKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made to confirm the statement which I have made, that the Catholic curate was called in to administer the rites of the church to two young men who were nearly killed?

Mr. BIRRELL

All I know is that 300 people attacked eighteen.

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