HC Deb 01 May 1902 vol 107 cc443-4
MR. P. A. M'HUGH (Leitrim, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a band belonging to the Mullaghdun, County Fermanagh, Branch of the United Irish League was stopped on the public road leading to Belcoo on the 17th March ultimo by a policeman named Johnston, and that this policeman threatened to break the band instruments, and to turn the members of the band off the road; will he explain by what authority this policeman interfered with the liberty of these persons on this occasion?

MR. ATKINSON (for Mr. WYNDHAM)

The members of the band, who were accompanied by a crowd, were requested not to play when passing the house of an individual in Belcoo who, the hon. Member is well aware, has been held up to public odium, and subjected to rigorous boycotting and intimidation. This demonstration near his house was part of the system of intimidation to which he has been subjected. It was therefore the bounden duty of the police, under the circumstances, as conservators of the public peace, to prevent a hostile demonstration in the vicinity of the residence of this man. The police did not threaten to smash the instruments, or to turn the members of the band off the road.

MR. P. A. M'HUGH

Was it the policeman who supplied the answer to the right hon. Gentleman?

MR. ATKINSON

No, Sir; the answer came in the regular course.

MR. P. A. M'HUGH

From Johnston, the policeman.