§ MR. DEVLIN (Kilkenny, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his intention has been called to the scandalous scenes enacted on the Customs House steps, Belfast, on October 19th, which almost culminated in a riot; whether he is taking stops to prevent a repetition of these occurrences; and whether he is aware that these gatherings are condemned by all respectable citizens of Belfast as the outcome of blasphemy and blackguardism which characterise the meetings every Sunday on Government property.
§ * MR. SPEAKERThese are not phrases which would be admitted on the Question Paper.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI have had no report of the occurrences. The Government will, as heretofore, take all the steps which they think are best calculated to preserve the peace in Belfast and other parts of Ireland.
§ MR. DEVLINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the principal speaker at these meetings has declared that he intends to hold a series of meetings in the coming week? In view of the urgency of the situation will he take steps to have these things prevented?
§ MR. NANNETTI: (Dublin, Harbour)Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of railing these steps, as has been done in Dublin?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI have nothing to add to the answer I have already given. I have said we shall take the steps best calculated to preserve the peace.
§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)Is it not the fact that these meetings, which have been condemned by Protestant clergymen and newspapers, are held on. Government property?
§ [No answer was returned.]