§ MR. BURTasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he can state whether it is true, as reported in the Belfast newspapers, that three Primitive Methodist Ministers have been summoned before the magistrates of that town and sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment for singing hymns and conducting a procession through the streets, though it was proved by the testimony of the policemen who prosecuted that the procession was most orderly and well-behaved; and, whether, if this is true, the conviction was legal; and in any event he will obtain an explanation regarding a sentence apparently extremely severe under the circumstances?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERI find that three Primitive Methodist ministers were summoned before the Belfast borough magistrates, under the Borough Act, which provides that any person who shall be guilty of riotous or indecent behaviour shall be liable to a penalty of 40s. In two cases the defendants were fined 40s., and in default to be imprisoned 14 days. The case against the third was adjourned, and an appeal is to be heard on the 17th instant. I cannot pronounce any opinion on the legality of the conviction. I am informed that singing hymns in the public streets, accompanied by a large crowd, was considered to be an offence; and I must remind my hon. Friend and the House that very frequently crowds and processions in Belfast have excited serious disturbance.