MR. J. E. ELLISasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in addition to the "passes" issued by Sergeant Mahony, R.I.C., in the district of Gweedore, others have been issued by Head Constable C. M. M'Carthy; and, by whose authority this head constable is acting?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am informed by the Constabulary Authorities that Head Constable M'Carthy did issue some passes to persons proceeding from an island where there was reason to believe persons implicated in the murder of Inspector Martin were concealed. The constable acted upon his own authority.
MR. J. E. ELLISIf I assure the right hon. Gentleman, as I do, that I hold in my hand a number of such passes, granted on several days in Donegal, will he make further inquiry and stop these proceedings?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI understand that nobody denies that such passes were issued, and I do not know that the hon. Member advances the matter by showing the actual pieces of paper. I will make any further inquiry desired.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)What has become of the right of freedom of movement in this part of the kingdom for Her Majesty's lieges who have not received these passes?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIf the right hon. Gentleman can adduce instances of people who have been stopped in any lawful movement, he will have some ground for asking the question, but as far as I know, no such case can be adduced.