HC Deb 18 May 1899 vol 71 cc938-9
MR. DAVITT

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the suppression of the meeting; at Breaffy, county Mayo, on Sunday last was based upon an information sworn by some person that such meeting, if held, would lead to intimidation; and whether he can say if such information was sworn by a police officer or by a civilian.

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

The proclamation which was issued prohibiting the bolding of this meeting was based upon an information sworn by the district Inspector of Constabulary. This information was to the effect that he had reasonable grounds for believing, and did believe, that the meeting would cause a breach of the peace and tranquility of the neighbourhood and would lead to boycotting and intimidation.

MR. DAVITT

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ire-land how many public meetings announced to be held, in the usual way of popular demonstrations, have been proclaimed and suppressed in the county of Mayo during the past twelve months: and if he can state whether such action by the police authorities has in each instance been ordered by the Executive in Dublin, or was taken on the initiative of the resident magistrates in the county.

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

Five meetings of the United Irish League have been prohibited in the county of Mayo during the past twelve months. The direction to prevent these meetings was given in each case by the Executive Government.