§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a letter which appeared in The Evening News and Post of 12th instant, signed H. A. Gray, and which called upon his (Mr. Gray's) fellow-traders to boycott Mr. S. Whitbread and his son because of their action on the Local Veto Bill now before this House; and what steps, if any, do the Home Office intend to take in the matter?
§ MR. ASQUITHMy attention has been called by the question to the letter referred to. It appears to be a public declaration by the writer of his intention to cease to deal with Messrs. Whitbread and Company, and an invitation to others to follow the same course. I am not aware that such a statement constitutes any breach of any law, and in any case I think the firm in question are well able to take care of themselves.
§ MR. FLYNNIn view of the fact that, in consequence of less aggravated utterances, editors and printers of newspapers have been prosecuted in Ireland, will the right hon. Gentleman prosecute those inciting to boycotting in England?
§ [No answer was given.]