HC Deb 12 March 1888 vol 323 cc844-5
MR. PAULTON (Durham, Bishop Auckland)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention has been drawn to the following report, published in The Daily News of 23rd February:— An extraordinary demonstration was witnessed at Miltown Malbay yesterday, when the contents of 260 carts filled with turf, and a similar number containing potatoes, were distributed by the people of surrounding parishes to the families of the 11 men sentenced to a month's imprisonment under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act. Head Constable Bready, who was in charge of the police, ordered his men to draw their truncheons, and, presenting his revolver, ordered the crowds to disperse. The reason for this action is not reported. The people dispersed quietly. Several tons of potatoes were pitted; and, whether the facts are correctly stated; and, if so, whether the action of Head Constable Bready is approved by the Executive Government?

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

(who replied) said: The Inspector General of Constabulary informs me that the demonstration consisted of several thousand persons, with 300 carts, headed by a band. The local band also began to play through the town, followed by a large crowd. The magistrates at Petty Sessions having ordered that no band should be allowed to play in the streets on the occasion of the demonstration, the Head Constable went up to the band and warned them not to continue. Thereupon the crowd rushed upon the police in a threatening manner. The Head Constable considered it necessary to order his men to draw their truncheons, and he drew his revolver and called upon the people to desist. The ringleaders in the disturbance are being prosecuted.

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say under what law are bands prohibited from playing through the streets?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

Under the law which gives power to the police to take any stops they think necessary to prevent anything likely to lead to a breach of the peace.