HC Deb 08 July 1902 vol 110 cc1083-4
MR. MACVEAGH

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at a meeting of the Orangemen of the Armagh district, held in the town of Armagh, it was decided to hold an Orange demonstration on the 12th instant in the town of Rostrevor, county Down; and that Rostrevor is a district a very large majority of the population of which are Roman Catholic. And whether, with a view of preventing the provocation and disorder which are likely to arise, the Government intend to take any action in the matter.

MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

I beg also to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lientenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a meeting of the Kilbroney Branch of the United Irish League, held in Rostrevor, at which it was resolved to stop the Orange procession which has been arranged to take place near Rostrevor on the 12th July; and whether the Government will take care to afford protection to this procession. Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, may I ask if he has seen the threat of a Roman Catholic priest, made on behalf of the United Irish League, to send 10,000 ruffians to Rostrevor—

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. WYNDHAM

In the interest of peace and goodwill I must respectfully decline to take official notice of the Press paragraphs on which, I think, these Questions are based. These paragraphs are construed as challenges and counter challenges by those to whom they make appeal. Coming to the facts, I understand that influential members of the Orange Society are using their best efforts to dissuade other members from taking part in the excursion to Rostrevor I trust that these efforts will be successful, but, in any case, the Irish Government will not permit any demonstration or counter demonstration in, or near, Rostrevor on 12th July, and will take the necessary steps to notify the same by proclamation.

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Then are we right in understanding the Chief Secretary to say he will not allow any demonstration or counter demonstration in the neighbourhood of Rostrevor on July 12th?

MR. WYNDHAM

That is so.