§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLOn behalf of the hon. Member for North Armagh I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a Union Jack was hoisted on a public-house at Portadown belonging to Matt Fleming on the 12th July last, and that the police ordered the flag to be removed; and, if so, on what grounds?
§ MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)At the same time, may I ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on the 12th July last the police ordered a Union Jack exhibited on a public-house in Portadown to be taken down; and by whose authority this order was given?
§ MR. J. MORLEYI am informed that what occurred on the occasion was this. The attention of a constable was drawn to the flag by Mr. O'Hanlon, a local Magistrate, who suggested that as the licence of the publican had not yet been confirmed at Quarter Sessions it might be well to draw his attention to the flag, as the flying it might militate against his obtaining the licence. The constable merely conveyed this suggestion to the publican, but did not order him to remove the flag. He acted hastily, no doubt, but not with any malicious motive.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLI do not attach much importance to these flag incidents; but may I ask whether during the Lord Lieutenant's visit to Sligo flags were not floating from licensed premises, and especially from the licensed premises of a Member of this House, and that no one interfered? How, then, does it come about that in Derry and Portadown the police are so officious?
§ MR. J. MORLEYThe constable may have acted imprudently, but he has not acted officiously. He acted on a hint given to him by a local Magistrate.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLIs Mr. O'Hanlon a recent appointment?
§ MR. J. MORLEYThat I cannot say.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLHe is.