HC Deb 30 August 1880 vol 256 c647
MR. FINIGAN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to a paragraph in the "Times" of the 25th instant which states, The police on Sunday, at the meeting of the Dunman way Land League, stationed themselves at the door of the meeting house, and took down the names of the members who attended; whether such a proceeding forms part of the duties of the police; whether the Government will state by whom this course has been ordered; and, whether the Government intends to put a stop to it?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

Sir, having made inquiries with regard to this matter, I am informed the police were not stationed at the door. The constable in charge of Dunman way was for a short time standing about 30 or 40 yards distant from the door. I am not aware that the police had any orders to take down the names of the persons attending the meeting; but individual policemen are at liberty to take private notes at meetings for their own information, if they think fit to do so.