§ SIR JOHN GRAYasked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, Whether any information was sworn or laid before the authorities stating that a breach of the peace was apprehended because of the intended meeting at the Phœnix Park on the 6th of August—the hon. Member had also given Notice to ask, Whether the only notice, proclamation, or other order issued prohibiting the intended meeting was a notice or proclamation signed by Mr. Hornsby, Secretary to the Board of Works; whether the Secretary to the Board of Works is empowered by Law to proclaim and prevent a meeting being held in a Royal Park in Ireland, and to procure the dispersion by force of such meeting, when called for the purpose of petitioning the Sovereign to complete a work already commenced by Her; and, if so, what Act of Parliament or Royal Warrant confers that power to interfere with the right of public meeting; and, if such power be not vested in that official, by whose authority the police force of Dublin attended to disperse a meeting convened for a legal object?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONSir, no such information was sworn that I am aware of. With reference to the remainder of the Question which the hon. Member has omitted, and to another Question which he has on the Paper, I wish to state that I am extremely anxious to give the House all the information which is necessary for a full discussion of the subject to-morrow, or whenever the hon. Member thinks fit to bring it forward; but I do not think it would be desirable for me to enter into any statement prior to that discussion. I may also mention that my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor General for Ireland does not think it desirable that he should anticipate the statement he proposes to make to-morrow with reference to the state of the law.