§ MR. TUITE(for Mr. P. O'BRIAN) (Monaghan, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that the Hon. P. A. Collins, who is a Member of the Massachusetts Congress, U.S.A., is reported to have stated, on the occasion of receiving the freedom of the City of Dublin, 2nd August, that—
On arriving in Ireland he had had his luggage searched, and had since been honoured with an escort of Government detectives;and, whether it is true that Mr. Collins has been so watched; and, if so, was it by directions of the Government, or by whose authority?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: In accordance with a practice which has existed for some years past, the luggage of Mr. Collins was, in common with that of other persons, searched. It is not the case that he has had tin escort of detectives.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)I will ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman if he will inquire whether the detectives are still shadowing this distinguished gentleman; and, if so, that he will direct them to abate the nuisance?
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANI will make inquiries.