§ MR. McCARTANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been called to the complaints made by the promoters of land meetings in Ulster as to the interference of the Constabulary in coming to make inquiries about the object of such meetings, and the names, numbers, religions, and political views of the persons attending them; whether reports are sent to Dublin Castle, and by whom directions to attend these meetings are given to the Constabulary; and, whether he can state if there is any such interference with meetings in England?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURMy attention has not been drawn to the complaints stated to have been made by the promoters of these meetings in reference to the action of the Constabulary, nor have any such complaints been 212 made, so far as I can ascertain, to the responsible Constabulary authorities. In the ordinary discharge of their duties, the police have made inquiry as to the objects of demonstrations or meetings held in the north of Ireland, and such inquiry is essential to enable them to take any steps that may be considered necessary for the preservation of the peace. Reports are not as a rule sent, to Dublin beforehand unless disturbance of the public peace is anticipated and time permits. I am not in a position to answer the concluding paragraph.
§ MR. McCARTANasked if these inquiries were often made by the police immediately after the meeting had been held.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURIf made afterwards obviously they cannot be for the purpose of forming an opinion beforehand.