§ MR. JOHN REDMONDasked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, Whether it is a fact that, on the occasion of a meeting of the New Ross National League on Wednesday October 22nd, the hall and entrances to the town hall, where the meeting was held, were occupied by a force of the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether they were there in pursuance of instructions received; and, whether the Government have issued any general instructions to the police with reference to attendance at meetings of the National League?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)It is not correct to state that the Town Hall of New Ross and entrances to it were occupied by a force of the Royal Irish Constabulary on the occasion of a National League meeting, and no instructions to that effect were given. Two constables who happened to be on ordinary town duty occasionally stopped at the corner during their rounds, and an acting sergeant was for a short time in the outer hall, which is open to the public. The instructions to the police are not to attend indoor meetings of the National League without special orders.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDWill the hon. and learned Gentleman have any objection to give the sources of his information? It differs materially from mine.
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)The sources were official.