§ CAPTAIN DONELANI beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, as representing the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that street preachers are at present creating disturbances in Cork; and whether steps will be taken to put a stop to this practice.
§ MR. ATKINSONI am informed that on Sunday last an attack was made by a large crowd on the preachers who were conducting open-air services in the streets of Cork. Owing, however, to the prompt intervention of the police, no serious injury, I am happy to say, was sustained by any of the party, although two of them were unfortunately knocked down in the struggle that took place. With regard to the second paragraph, the hon. Member must be aware that the legality of street preaching has frequently been discussed in this House. The practice, unless it amounts to an obstruction of the public streets, is no offence by common or statute law, and the police have no power to put a stop to it, as suggested.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are plenty of places of worship for all creeds in Cork?
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!