§ MR. THEOBALD (Essex, Romford)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he is aware of the fact that the hon. Member for East Cork (Mr. W. O'Brien) when under arrest on a charge of having made inflammatory speeches, addressed a speech to the crowd assembled in front of the Imperial Hotel; whether such a thing is legal; and, if not, if he will give orders that a similar proceeding be not again allowed?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) () Manchester, E.The facts stated in the Question are true. The incident arose from a mistake of the officer in charge, who supposed that the hon. Member for East Cork would not abuse the liberty the officer allowed him. In my opinion, the proceeding was highly improper.
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman what he considers an inflammatory speech? Was the speech of the right hon. Gentleman last night an inflammatory speech?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!