MR. YOUNGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on the 7th January last a threat of personal violence was made against the Rev. Mr. Peoples, of St. Clement's, Belfast, by a man named Trew, who addresses a mob every Sunday evening from the steps of the Custom House, Belfast; and whether, considering the disorderly proceedings arising therefrom there and elsewhere in Belfast, some steps will be taken to prevent this man from every Sunday using language there calculated to endanger the public peace?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have already informed the honourable Member that the attention of the police authorities has been directed to the language used from time to time by Mr. Trew in connection with the services conducted at this church. It is true that on the 5th January, presumably the occasion to which reference is made, Mr. Trew uttered words which might be 1225 open to the construction sought to be placed upon them in the Question. The legal evidence forthcoming of the language used on the occasion is not, however, sufficient to enable me to express an opinion in the matter. Apart from the disorderly proceedings arising from the services at St. Clement's Church, no assault, as a matter of fact has been committed upon Mr. Peoples in proceeding to and returning from the church. The police have afforded, and will continue to afford, him every necessary protection.