§ MR. KENNYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the attention of the authorities has been directed to the issue of a placard on the day of the polling in Monaghan, purporting to have been published in Mr. Healy's interest, and containing reference to Her Majesty similar to that in the alleged "Invincible" placard for which The Kerry Sentinel was seized; whether the police have made any inquiries to detect the authors; whether a secret inquiry will be held in reference to its publication; and, if the Government are prepared to make it an offence under the Corrupt and Illegal Practices to print, post, or issue any placard which, while purporting to emanate from a particular candidate, is really published with a view to damage the candidature of such candidate?
§ MR. TREVELYANI am informed that on the day of the polling two placards containing a disloyal reference to the Queen were posted near Clones; but the same offensive expression used in the placard for which The Kerry Sentinel was seized was not used here. The placards may fairly be said to have purported to have been published in the interests of Mr. Healy. The Constabulary have been making inquiries on the subject; but hitherto without result. It does not appear to be a case for the application of the Prevention of Crime Act. With regard to the last paragraph of the Question, it is open to the hon. Member to submit for the consideration of the House any proposal of the character indicated.