§ MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the attacks make in Hyde Park on Mr. Job Williams, on Thursday night the 26th instant, by Roman Catholic mobs, in consequence of his utterances concerning Roman Catholicism; and whether freedom of speech, which is extended there to the expression of all manner of opinions, will also be secured to those who deal with questions of a controversial character affecting the doctrines and principles of the Reformation?
§ MR. ASQUITHFor some two or three weeks ago Mr. Williams has held meetings in Hyde Park, in which he denounces in strong language the Roman Catholic religion. At the same time, another gentleman has spoken at another meeting and denounced the Protestant religion. [Mr. W. JOHNSTON: That is only fair.] Mr. Williams appears to have commenced the controversy and to have used strong language, and it became necessary for the police to interfere in order to prevent violence. As far as the 1268 Regulations of the park with regard to public meetings are concerned freedom of speech will be secured as far as possible.
§ MR. W. JOHNSTONHave any attacks been made upon the speakers who have denounced Protestantism?
§ [No answer was given.]