HC Deb 20 June 1890 vol 345 c1490
MR. COX

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. John Malone, cattle buyer for a Glasgow firm of salesmasters, has been systematically followed by policemen when attending to his busines at fairs in the County Clare; whether he will state the reason for this proceeding; and if Mr. Malone's claim for compensation in consequence of loss incurred by reason of this police shadowing will receive the favourable consideration of the Government?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

John Malone was watched at certain fairs because there was reason to believe that he was a boycotting agent. I am not aware, nor do I believe, that he was prevented from doing any legitimate business.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Does the right hon. Gentleman act on the principle that because a man is suspected of ruining other people's business his own business ought to be ruined also?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have explained that I do not believe this man's business has been ruined.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

May I repeat a question which I put the other day? Is a permanent record kept to justify a responsible authority in ordering a particular individual to be shadowed?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I imagine that there are records kept in all cases of shadowing, but I must ask the hon. Gentleman to put the question on the Paper?