HC Deb 11 June 1901 vol 95 cc66-7
CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that for some time past police constables from Castle Martyr, county Cork, have made a practice of attending meetings of the United Irish League held in the neighbouring villages of Dungourney and Mogeely, and posting themselves as sentries at the doors of the premises in which the meetings are held; and, inasmuch as English Members are not subjected to police supervision when addressing their constituents, will he state why and by what authority, when the Member for East Cork attended a meeting at Mogeely, in his own constituency, on the 2nd of this month, two police constables stationed themselves at the door of the building in which the meeting took place throughout the proceedings, and declined to inform the Member for East Cork by whose authority they thus acted.

MR. WYNDHAM

The practice referred to was enjoined in respect only of branches which had distinctly committed themselves to acts of intimidation. In such cases the police have been directed to attend in close proximity to meetings with the twofold object of inspiring confidence in the victims of intimidation and of collecting evidence in the event of an attempt being made to renew it.

MR. POWER (Waterford, E.)

Is not the objectionable practice complained of permanent throughout Munster, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the police attend meetings of the divisional executive and try to hear what is going on?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The question refers to two or three specific cases, which have been answered.

MR. POWER

Will the right hon. Gentleman give specific directions that in the case mentioned and in other cases brought to his notice the police shall discontinue conduct which would not be tolerated in England?

MR. WYNDHAM

The reply is in the negative.

MR. FLAVIN

What act of intimidation was committed by the O'Dorney branch that the police should stand outside the doors and windows of the house where the meetings were held?

CAPTAIN DONELAN

What charge, if any, has been brought against the two branches mentioned in the question?

MR. WYNDHAM

I do not think that arises from the answer, but I may say that reports have been presented stating that resolutions have been passed by the particular branches referred to, which are aimed at individuals, and that is, in my opinion, a sufficient reason for the attendance of the police.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

Will the police attend meetings of the Orange Lodges from now up to 12th July?