§ MR. WILLIAM CORBETI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to the continuance of street preaching in Arklow every Sunday, to the serious disturbance of the peace of the town, whether any representations have been made to him with the object of having a stop put to these occurrences; whether he is aware that recently an assistant of the street preachers presented a revolver at a person who objected to the preaching; whether it is true that on Sunday last 130 soldiers and 150 police were drafted into the town to preserve the peace; and whether he will do anything to put a stop to these disgraceful scenes in the otherwise peaceful town of Arklow?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURRepresentations have been received in regard to the continuance of street preaching in Arklow. I understand that a man has been returned for trial for presenting a revolver. It is the case that on Sunday last two companies of infantry and 150 police were drafted into the town to preserve the peace. As regards the last paragraph of the hon. Member's question, I have to say that the greatest exertions have been made by the Government to secure the peace of the town. Whether it will be possible to continue indefinitely these extraordinary precautions, and, if not, what steps should be then taken, remains for consideration.