HC Deb 08 April 1914 vol 60 cc1957-8
28. Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that in March, 1887, there were evictions in progress in county Cork when some 300 tenants and their families were under sentence of expulsion from their homes; if he is aware that on 8th March of that year a collision between the police force and the crowd took place when a young fisherman named Hanlon received a mortal wound from a policeman's bayonet, and that Hanlon's funeral was fixed for 10th March of that year; will he say whether the military, 200 strong, were kept in barracks ready to act if required; and whether the then Chief Secretary for Ireland approved of a telegram being dispatched from Dublin Castle instructing the police to deal summarily if any organised resistance were offered to lawful authority and, if necessary, not to hesitate to shoot?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am aware that what was called the plan of campaign was in operation at the time, and that a large number of tenants were under notice of eviction. I am informed that at Youghal on 8th March, 1887, Hanlon was killed while the police were dispersing a mob who attacked them, but I cannot say whether the military were held in readiness to act upon that occasion. They were certainly not employed. As regards the last paragraph I would refer the hon. Member to the answers of the right hon. Member for the City of London, who was then Chief Secretary for Ireland, to a question on the subject addressed to him on the 15th March, 1887.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Did not the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the City of London acknowledge that it was with his consent and approbation the telegram "Do not hesitate to shoot" was sent?

Mr. BIRRELL

The hon. and learned Gentleman can read the answer to which I have referred.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Is not my memory accurate?