§ 53. Mr. FELLasked the Chief Secretary if he will state the number of the Nationalist Volunteers in Ireland according to the latest information in his possession?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe number of Irish Volunteers according to latest information is estimated at 114,000.
54. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that a farmer motor-cycling home from Londonderry recently was set upon by National Volunteer pickets and seriously injured; if the man was rescued by the local police, who were also assaulted and besieged in barracks; and if proceedings have been instituted against those concerned in the outrage?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed that Mr. Robert Mooney was stopped while riding a motor cycle through Londonderry on the night of the 19th June and was assaulted, but not seriously injured. Two constables who were on duty in the vicinity took Mooney to the police station and subsequently escorted him outside the city. The crowd attempted to follow Mooney, but were kept back by the police and some Irish Volunteers, who gave useful assistance. None of the police were assaulted on the occasion. The matter has been fully investigated by the police, and every effort made to obtain evidence of identification against the offenders, but without success.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI say that every effort has been made to obtain evidence of identification against the offenders, but without success.