§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Why so large a force of Constabulary is kept stationed at or about Millstreet; and, whether the district is extremely peaceful?
An hon. MEMBER asked whether the neighbourhood of Millstreet had become more peaceful since the day on which speeches were delivered there by the hon. Member for Mid Cork (Dr. Tanner); and whether the right hon. Baronet would lay on the Table of the House the reports of the speeches which were made in the presence of the police, and forwarded by them to the authorities in Dublin?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)I believe the district of Millstreet has become more peaceable since the time alluded to by the hon. Member behind me; but I am not prepared to give any undertaking about the reports, because I have not heard of them until to-day. With regard to the Question put to me by the hon. Gentleman (Dr. Tanner), I have to say that there are 25 policemen at Millstreet, and their presence is necessary in order to afford protection to persons whose lives and property have, it is feared, been placed in danger by inflammatory speeches made in the neighbourhood, and other causes. There is a good deal of "Boycotting" and intimidation in the district, though actual outrage is kept in check by the presence of the police.
§ DR. TANNERI should like to ask the right hon. Baronet by whom these speeches were made? And as the hon. Gentleman opposite has made a personal accusation against me for a speech I am said to have made at Millstreet, I desire to tell the hon. Gentleman that I shall be only too happy to let him have a copy of the speech this afternoon.