§ 79. Mr. ROBERT YOUNGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. W. Taylor is Secretary of the Londonderry Branch of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers; that he is not a member of any other organisation of a political or other character; that his house was searched for firearms and seditious literature in his absence; that no incriminating matter was found; and that the correspondence and books of the trade union were carelessly handled; if so, will he state on whose authority and for what purpose the search was made; and whether an apology will be sent and an explanation given to the Amalgamated Society of Engineers for the misuse of its property?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Macpherson)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no information that Mr. Taylor is a member of any political association. On the 28th February, after a serious explosion in Londonderry Prison, the rooms of William Taylor, along with those of others, were searched for bombs. The bombs used were made in the Craig Engineering Works, Derry, in which Taylor was formerly an employé,and the police had information that bombs had been taken from the works. The search was undertaken by a most experienced and careful sergeant of police, Mrs. Taylor being present. The books and correspondence referred to were not interfered with.