§ MR. MACVEAGHI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he can state if any political meetings are allowed to be held in Court houses in County Down; and whether any instructions have been issued to the Sheriff of that county to disperse such gatherings by force.
§ MR. WYNDHAMA general instruction was issued on 1st August to High Sheriffs advising them that—
The custody of the County Court Houses is given High Sheriffs for the purpose, mainly and primarily, of providing for the administration of justice, and that, so far as is consistent with that provision, the High Sheriff should allow the County Council to use the Court House for the execution of their duties, but for no other purpose whatever.It was also pointed out that the High Sheriff, in the discharge of his duty in this connection, is entitled to call for and receive the assistance of the police.
§ MR. SHEEHANIs it not the fact that meetings are being held in Court houses to promote an agitation on the licensing question?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI am not aware of that.
§ MR. MACVEAGHThe right hon. Gentleman has not said whether political meetings have been held in Down Court houses.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI have no knowledge of that. The High Sheriff is responsible for the custody of the Court house.
§ MR. MACVEAGHWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether meetings of the local Orange Lodge are held regularly in the Court house at Newcastle, County Down?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! If the hon. Member wishes to call attention to a particular case he must give notice.
§ * MR. DELANYWho is the authority to decide whether a meeting is political?
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLThe re-movables.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANDo the High Sheriffs pay for the maintenance of the Court houses?