§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether in Woodford, on Tuesday, the 6th of March, the people who had assembled to celebrate the release of Mr. Blunt were ordered to disperse by the police; whether the police threatened to charge the people; and, whether the people were orderly and peaceable; and, if so, under what law the police act?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: The Inspector General of Constabulary reports that the people had assembled and held a meeting in the public street, at which speeches were being made. The sergeant, who was with three constables, informed the people that he could not permit this obstruction; but did not threaten to charge them. The people soon afterwards dispersed.
§ MR. DILLONWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say under what law the police acted when there was no obstruction?
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANUnder the ordinary law, by which the police are required to prevent obstruction of the public thoroughfare.