§ MR. STACK (Kerry, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland why members of the Constabulary Force have watched for months past the meeting place of the Tarbert branch of the Irish Democratic Labour Federation, and for what reason, on Sunday the 1st instant, two men of the Force entered the room while the meeting was being held, refused to state their business or authority, declined to leave when called upon, challenged the members to put them out if they were able, and finally only left after having taken the names of all the members present; and whether these proceedings were authorised or are sanctioned by the Government?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Constabulary authorities report that the two constables who were on duty had reason to suppose that an attempt was being made to hold a meeting of the late branch of the National League, which was suppressed in that district as an unlawful association; upon being told by the chairman that it was a meeting of the Labour Federation they left the room. The constables deny the remaining allegations in the Question.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)If the only object was to take the names, why were they not taken without entering the room and disturbing the meeting?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI gather that that altogether is denied.
§ MR. SEXTONIn what form does the right hon. Gentleman desire to receive proof?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURAll I say is that the hon. Gentleman has been misinformed. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to ask any further question he had better put it on the Paper.
§ MR. SEXTONI presume that the police have now ascertained that this was not a meeting of a suppressed branch of the National League?