MR. O'CONNOR POWERasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is a fact that, in consequence of the powers conferred on the Irish magistracy by the Prevention of Crimes Act, Messrs. Thomas Killeen and Patrick Killeen, of Ballyglass, county Mayo, two blind musicians, are prevented from following their occupation as teachers of a school for music and dancing; if he will state under what section of the Act these two persons are thus deprived of their only means of gaining a livelihood; and, if he will lay upon the Table a Copy of the Correspondence which has passed between the Lord Lieutenant and the Messrs. Killeen on this subject?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe poor men alluded to in this Question had already brought their case before the Lord Lieutenant, and inquiry had been made into it. The Constabulary reported, in reference to them, that they were men of quiet, honest character, who supported themselves mainly by playing music at dances through the country, and teaching dancing. Most of the dances at which they played were held at night; and they now fear that the provisions of the Prevention of Crime Act will prevent many of their patrons from being out at night and attending their classes. The intention of the Act is only to interfere with people who are out at night for a bad purpose; and if, as I have reason to believe, the dancing parties of these men do not come within the provision, they will not be interfered with.
MR. O'CONNOR POWERAm I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that there is no charge alleged against these musicians, and that, nevertheless, the local magistrates prohibit them from pursuing their avocation?
§ MR. TREVELYANAs far as I can gather, they express apprehension that their business of attending dances at night might be interfered with by the Prevention of Crime Act, because they think that it might discourage dances at night. As far as I can gather, there will be no direct interference with them.
MR. O'CONNOR POWERThe right hon. Gentleman has not stated whether the Correspondence which has taken place in this case will be laid on the Table. From the papers which have been sent to me, and which are stated to be copies of this Correspondence, it is plain that these musicians, against whom no charge whatever was brought, were distinctly prohibited from pursuing their avocations. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether they are at liberty now to resume their occupations?
§ MR. TREVELYANMost certainly they are. My reading of the Report is that they are perfectly at liberty. As regards the Correspondence, if it can be called such, I will look at it again, and if there is anything in it I will lay it on the Table.
§ MR. O'DONNELLCould the right hon. Gentleman state under what clause of the Prevention of Crime Act dancing is forbidden in Ireland? I would also ask—and perhaps the Prime Minister would answer—whether it is only among the upper classes that dancing is permitted in Ireland?
§ [No reply was given.]