HC Deb 05 July 1900 vol 85 cc638-9
MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state on what grounds a public meeting announced to be held in New market, county Cork, on 3rd June, to be addressed by the Parliamentary representative of the division and other speakers, was proclaimed; and can he state how many officers and men of the Royal Irish Constabulary were called in to enforce the proclamation, and from what source the expense involved is to be defrayed.

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

This meeting, which was convened under the auspices of the United Irish League, was proclaimed because the Government had reason to believe that it was intended to denounce and intimidate a particular individual who is in occupation of an evicted farm in the neighbourhood. The force of police present consisted of 4 officers and 150 men. Any additional expense involved by their employment will be defrayed from the Constabulary Vote.

MR. FLYNN

On what ground had the Government "reason to believe"?

MR. G. W. BALFOUE

We had a sworn information to the effect I have stated.

MR. FLYNN

Sworn by whom?

MR. G. W. BALFOUE

The district inspector.

MR. FLAVIN

Has the right hon. Gentleman knowledge of the fact that the meeting was held notwithstanding the proclamation?

[No answer was returned.]