§ MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary whether it is true that on Tuesday last, in the Carlingford Lough, delegates from the Irish Nationalist Foresters, before proceeding on board the steamship "Pilot," demanded that the Union Jack should be hauled down, and it was hauled down amid the cheers of the delegates.
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Union Jack was hauled down at Malta yesterday, and, if so, what action does he propose to take?
§ MR. WYNDHAMNo report of this incident has reached me. If it is correctly reported, the conduct of those in charge of the vessel was not only disloyal, but pusillanimous and contemptible. The Government will not take any steps, as the matter is one entirely for the owners of the vessel.