MR. O'BRIENasked the Lord Advocate, Whether it is the fact that the meeting place at 8, Watson Street, Glasgow, of a branch of the Irish National League has been, for several weeks past, closely watched by detectives, the persons attending the meetings subjected to an offensive and intimidating scrutiny, and the books temporarily taken from the residence of the secretary, in his absence; and, if so, whether these proceedings have been ordered or approved by the authorities?
THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. B. BALFOUR)Sir, a hall at No. 8, Watson Street, Glasgow, was hired, under an agreement which has now expired, for the purpose, as described in the missives, of an Irish Debating Society. The meetings of the Society which it appears from the Question is a branch of the Irish National League, were held on Sundays; and, in consequence of information which they received, the police authorities, during the last month or two, have on several occasions directed three or four detective officers to be stationed near the door of the hall, in order to see the persons who attended the meetings. These officers were never within the hall, and did not speak to, or interfere in any way with, the persons attending the meetings; and no complaint of any interference has been made to the police authorities. The persons attending the meetings were not subjected to an offensive and intimidating scrutiny, nor were the books taken from the residence of the secretary by the police or any public authority. I see no reason to disapprove of the action of the police authorities.