§ MR. JOHN O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the colonel commanding the 1st Manchester Regiment, stationed in Tipperary, issued orders to the men of the regiment that they were not to partake of any refreshment in the house of John A. Carew, grocer and spirit merchant of that town; that on the 4th inst. two soldiers, having entered the premises of Mr. Carew. they were placed under arrest, stripped of their belts, and put under charge of the picket, but subsequently released because of their ignorance of the Regimental Order; whether any charge of misconduct has ever been brought against Mr. Carew in the management of his house; and what is the reason for Mr. Carew's house being forbidden by the Military Authorities?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEThe officer commanding the 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment did forbid his men to enter the house of J. A. Carew; but it is not the fact that two men were arrested on the 4th inst. for disobeying the Order.
§ MR. J. O'CONNORThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the questions in the third and fourth paragraphs. Is he aware that during the past two years men have in Tipperary been sent to prison nearly every week for what is known as boycotting there?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEI am not aware of that fact. As to the questions contained in the third and fourth paragraphs, if the hon. Member will give me time I will try and get the information asked for. All I know at present is that 608 the colonel decided, after full consideration with the Local Authorities, to take this step; but I do not know the reason.