HC Deb 25 April 1884 vol 287 cc649-50
MR. O'BRIEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is the case that detective policemen attended the last meeting of the Queenstown Branch of the Irish National League, and refused to withdraw when, requested to do so; if so, upon whose instructions were they acting, and with what object; if they were acting on their own initiative, whether they will be informed that they exceeded their duty; and, whether, in view of the frequent altercations that have occurred between the police and people, owing to the confusion, in the minds of the police as to their duty in this respect, an explicit general instruction will be issued for the guidance of the police, in relation to their attendance at private meetings of the Branches of the National League?

MR. TREVELYAN

The meeting referred to in this Question was held in the Town Hall at Queenstown, and summoned by printed placards extensively posted throughout the town. A sergeant and a constable attended by direction of the District Inspector. There was no objection made to their entering the Hall, which appeared open to all. Two persons, however, objected to their remaining at the meeting, and proposed and seconded a. resolution to that effect. But the Chairman declined to put the resolution to the meeting. He said he saw no reason why the police should not remain, as the meeting was not a secret one; and he invited them to take seats, which they accordingly did. On the general question, the police have instructions. I do not think it necessary to issue fresh instructions; but I am engaged in ascertaining whether the present instructions are thoroughly understood by all concerned, as they are intended to be understood by the Government.

MR. O'BRIEN

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman, will he not consider the advisability of issuing warrants, as in the cases of searches for arms and documents, empowering the police to attend in certain special cases, so that persons could not be prosecuted for ejecting the police? There would then be no further difficulty.

MR. TREVELYAN

I think the cases should be special cases. I will inquire into the matter.