§ Major O'NEILL(by Private Notice) asked the Leader of the House whether he can state the number of civilian casualties in killed and wounded in the recent fighting in the town of Londonderry, and what steps the Government propose to take to put a stop to further bloodshed?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe County Inspector, Londonderry, reports that nine civilians were killed and from 15 to 20 2012 wounded, Brigadier-General Carter Campbell, Commanding Officer, has gone from Belfast to Derry with full discretion to deal with the situation and with adequate force.
§ Major O'NEILLIn view of what has happened, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was apparent there was not an adequate force to deal with the situation, and in view of the extreme gravity of the position, will he take immediate steps to see that sufficient force is sent to that city to maintain law and order and to protect the people against further outrage?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe reply which I got from the Chief Secretary yesterday was that the force then was adequate, but that he had sent the General Officer Commanding the district with instructions to call for whatever force he considered necessary.
§ Lord R. CECILIs it true, as reported to-day, that the magistrates of Derry have made serious complaints as to the management of the troops?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot answer that.
§ Earl WINTERTONIn view of the great gravity of the situation, and the fact that practically civil war has broken out in His Majesty's home dominions, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of moving the Adjournment of the House and himself making a statement on the whole situation in Ireland?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI fully realise the gravity, but I could not make any statement in regard to the position which would be new. All I can say is that we at once in London took steps to satisfy ourselves that the Irish Government were using every weapon in their power to deal with the situation.
§ Mr. LYNN(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he was aware that a dastardly attack was made on the Assistant Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary in Dublin this morning and whether he has any information to convey to the House on the subject?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Denis Henry)Mr. Roberts, Assistant Inspector-General of the Royal 2013 Irish Constabulary, was going in a motor car between Amiens Street Station and Dublin Castle at 10.15 this morning. The car, which contained a police driver and three constables, was fired upon in Beresford Place near the railway station by men armed with revolvers who had concealed themselves behind the pillars of a railway bridge. The first volley struck both Mr. Roberts and the driver, who, however, continued to drive. The fire was returned from the car and continued from the pillars of the bridge. At least two bombs were thrown at the car. Mr. Roberts has a bullet wound in the head, but it is thought that the wound is not dangerous. Constable Path, the driver, was shot through both legs, but the wounds are not dangerous. It is not known if any of the attacking party is wounded.
§ At the end of Questions—
§ Colonel ASHLEYrose in his place, and asked leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "The failure of His Majesty's Government to maintain law and order in Ireland in connection with recent occurrences in Londonderry and Dublin."
§ The pleasure of the House not having been signified, MR. SPEAKER called on those Members who supported the Motion to rise in their places, and, not fewer than forty Members having accordingly risen,
§ The Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a quarter past eight this evening.