MR. JOHN ELLISasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the hon. Member for the Holmfirth Division (Mr. Wilson), whilst taking a walk with Mrs. Wilson in the neighbourhood of the Gweedore Hotel, on Saturday, 16th instant, was persistently followed about by two armed constables; whether, when the hon. Member shortly after took a car for a drive with Mrs. Wilson, three armed constables mounted another car and persistently followed them for some time; and what was the object of this police supervision?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am informed that the facts are substantially as stated in the question. Information had been received by the police on Saturday, the 16th, that a meeting of the National League would be held in the Gweedore district, where it had been proclaimed under the Crimes Act of 1887, at which English Members of Parliament would be present. A patrol was directed to ascertain the whereabouts of the intended meeting. The hon. Member on his arrival in Gweedore was not known to the police, but as soon as it was ascertained who he was, and that he had apparently no intention of addressing any such meeting, no police supervision was exercised.
MR. J. ELLISWill the right hon. Gentleman send immediate instructions to the police to allow Mr. and Mrs. Wilson reasonable freedom of movement?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURsaid he was not aware that the house of Mr. Wilson's car-driver was entered in the night time by Sergeant O'Mahony and the man cross-examined as to Mr. Wilson's movements.
MR. JOHN ELLISasked whether instructions would be immediately sent ordering that Mr. Wilson should have reasonable freedom in his motions?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOUR,said he gathered that the hon. Member had reasonable freedom of motion as soon 404 as it was seen who he was. He had given the fullest information in his power.