HC Deb 23 May 1887 vol 315 cc889-90
MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the meetings lately convened by Protestant Home Rulers at Armagh and Caledon were proclaimed by the Government, after the announcement of counter demonstra- tions, to be held at the same time and place, by so-called Loyalists; and, whether it is the intention of the Government to proclaim all meetings of Nationalists in Ulster whenever other persons thus threaten to hold counter demonstrations at same time and place, in opposition to the Constitutional rights of peaceable citizens?

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)

(who replied) said: These meetings were prohibited by the local magistrates. The Government have nothing to add to the statement of policy made on their behalf by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary during the debate on the subject on Friday last.

MR. CHANCE (Kilkenny, S.)

asked, whether the right hon. and gallant Gentleman knew that the magistrates alleged that any illegality or breach of the peace had been committed prior to the proclamation of these meetings?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

said, he presumed not. He presumed the magistrates acted for the purpose of preventing a breach of the peace.