MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the Royal Irish Constabulary have been required to fill up returns specifying the names of the principal movers and organizers of each branch of the Irish National League; how many members are enrolled; how the subscriptions come in and the amount of them; the character of the persons mentioned and whether they were arrested under the Peace Preservation Act; whether persons are enrolled and subscription paid voluntarily or by intimidation; and if the provisions of the Crimes Act are put in force where intimidation is used; and, whether the Irish National League has been declared an illegal organization: and, if not, whether the inquisitorial proceedings necessary for the filling-up of such return have the approval of Her Majesty's Government?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe Irish National League has not been declared an illegal organization. No steps have been taken by the Constabulary with regard to it which have not the approval of Her Majesty's Government. I must, however, respectfully decline, in this or any other matter, to announce the nature of the confidential instructions to the police.