§ MR. FLYNN (Cork,N.)I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the law as laid down in 38 and 39 Vic, c. 86, which enacts that every person commits a misdemeanour who, with a view to compel any other person to abstain from any act which he has a legal right to do, persistently follows such person from place to place, or persistently watches or besets the house, or other place, where such other person resides, or works, or carries on business; and whether he can say if the Criminal Law and Procedure Act repeals, or the constabulary regulations over-ride, these sections of the Act quoted; and, if not, under what authority or Statute constables act who are engaged in shadowing duty in Ireland, when they shadow farmers, cattle dealers, and others, engaged in business at different fairs and markets in Ireland.
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) Dublin UniversityI am aware of the enactment referred to in the question, which has no application whatever to the action of the police. It refers to costs in relation to trade disputes done wrongfully and without legal authority, and for the purpose of intimidation.
§ MR. SEXTONDo the instructions to the police warn them not to obstruct persons who are engaged in the transaction of business?
§ MR. MADDENI am not aware of the precise instructions, but if the hon. Member will put a question upon the Paper I will inquire.
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid.)I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether he is aware that a gentleman, named William Lee, was closely shadowed in Youghal by two policemen last Tuesday evening; whether this action was taken on instructions given by authority; and whether it was done in consequence 1744 of Mr. Lee being a local organiser of the labour movement?
§ MR. MADDENAs the hon. Member did not specify any district when he originally placed this question on the Paper the Constabulary Authorities were unable to make the necessary inquiries. They are, however, now proceeding.