§ MR. DILLONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland on what grounds the meeting announced to be held at Foxford on the 1st January was proclaimed; who swore the information on which the proclamation was issued; and on what principle is it proposed to charge on the locality £5 for expenses of extra police used for suppressing the meeting.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThis meeting was called under the auspices of the local United Irish League. In July, 1899, as a result of a meeting of the same kind at the same place, the grazing of two farms in the locality was boycotted, and a resolution was also adopted on that occasion directed against men in the employment of a grazier, who is a shopkeeper in Foxford. The grazing of other meadows near Foxford was also boycotted in 1899, and again last year. The police were of opinion that the meeting convened for the 1st instant would lead to a renewal of boycotting, and the District Inspector made an information on oath, setting forth the facts and stating that he believed the object of the meeting was boycotting and intimidation, and that, if held, it would be an unlawful assembly. The Government thereupon directed the proposed meeting to be proclaimed. In answer to the third paragraph, the charge to local rates in this instance represents a moiety of the expenses of the force brought into Foxford from other counties, and is leviable under the authority of Section 6 of the 868 11 and 12 Vict. cap. 72, as amended by Section 13 of the 37 and 38 Vict. cap. 80.The expenses of the men assembled from within the county are defrayed from the Constabulary Vote.
§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)Are we to understand that the right of public-meeting at Foxford and elsewhere depends on the caprice of the District Inspector?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!