§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the grounds upon which a public meeting called to establish a branch of the United Irish League at Rooskey, county Roscommon, was suppressed; who it was that swore the informations upon which Mr. Browne, R.M., acted; who was the person whom it was alleged the meeting was called to boycott; what were the expenses of the special police force drafted in to suppress the meeting; and whether the district will be called upon to pay these expenses.
§ MR. ATKINSON (for Mr. G. W. BALFOUR)The proclamation which was issued prohibiting the holding of the meeting at Rooskey on the 21st January 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 lead to boycotting and intimidation and to a breach of the peace, and would be an unlawful assembly. I cannot for obvious reasons give the name of the person 1243 against whom the meeting was believed to have been directed. The expenses of the police force employed in enforcing the proclamation amounted to £31 3s., of which amount a sum of £4 18s. 2d. will be recoverable from the County Roscommon.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLDid the sub-inspector give any names in his information?
§ MR. ATKINSONI cannot answer that question.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Why are not other meetings of the United Irish League suppressed as well as this one?
§ [No answer was given.]