§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)asked the Secretary of State for the 1790 Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that the band from the Whittingham Lunatic Asylum took part in the proceedings of a Primrose League demonstration at Goosnargh; and, whether bands of lunatic asylums, maintained at the public cost, are permitted to take an active part in these demonstrations?
§ MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the Question, I should like to ask, if any lunatic has taken any exception to this proceeding; and, if so, whether anyone but a lunatic has complained of it?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I am informed by the authorities of the asylum that it is not a fact that the band of the Asylum took part in a Primrose League demonstration, though certain members of the band, when off duty, performed there in their private capacity. I see nothing irregular in such a proceeding. As to the Question of my hon. Friend (Mr. Johnston), not being a lunatic, I am unable to answer him.