§ MR. HEALYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is the fact that the sub-inspector of the district has informed the committee of the Millstreet brass band that they cannot assemble in their band room to receive instruction between 8 and 10 p.m. (as they have been accustomed to do) on account of a Clause of the Prevention of Crime (Ireland) Act; and, whether he approves of the conduct of the sub-inspector? In putting the Question the hon. Gentleman remarked that "the editors" had considerably altered it. As originally framed, it asked whether the playing of a musical instrument was a crime under the Act?
§ MR. TREVELYANI find that the local Constabulary look upon this band as a source of much disorder in the Mill-street district. The Sub-Inspector informed the committee of the band that the members were liable to be arrested if found out of their abodes one hour after sunset.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORUnder suspicious circumstances.
§ MR. TREVELYANUnder suspicious circumstances. I have also obtained a Report from the special Resident Magistrate confirming the necessity for the action taken.
§ MR. HEALYI beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether playing instrumental music is a suspicious circumstance within the meaning of the Act?
§ [No answer was given to the Question.]
§ MR. HEALYI beg to give Notice that on the first opportunity I shall call attention to the ruffianly manner in which the police are using this Act.