§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General whether he is aware that in connection with the recent contest between Earl de la Warr and Mr. W. J. Smith for the chairmanship of the Bexhill-on-Sea Urban District Council, Miss Cope, the proprietress of St. David's Private Hotel in Bexhill, subsequently addressed a letter (dated 16th April) to Mr. Vale, a supporter of Mr. Smith, the successful candidate, in which she stated that she would never enter Mr. Vale's premises again, and would warn all her visitors against dealing with him; and that this letter has been published in the local press; and whether, in accordance with the custom commonly followed in Ireland under similar circumstances, it is intended to take proceedings against the persons implicated in these boycotting practices.
§ SIR ROBERT FINLAYThere is not any intention of taking proceedings in respect of the matter alleged by the hon. Member. The essence of the offence of boycotting is criminal conspiracy; the question does not suggest the existence of any conspiracy at all, but only an isolated act on the part of one person. No criminal proceedings could be maintained under the circumstances alleged, and I am informed that the hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that it is customary under such circumstances to take proceedings in Ireland.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDWill there be a prosecution of the mine owners if they shut down their coal mines?
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIs boycotting a crime in Ireland and not in England?