§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to the refusal to deal with, and intimidation of, members of the Jewish persuasion, and to the fact that in some cases violence has been used and many are at present starving by the refusal of dealers and shopkeepers to sell to them; and will he order an inquiry into the whole matter with the view of protecting the rights of these people.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. WYNDHAM,) DoverPersons who formerly dealt with members of the Jewish faith in Limerick, in the cours3 of trade, have ceased to deal with them, but any moneys due are being gradually paid. The police received special instructions to use every exertion to protect the Jews from acts of molestation or violence; eight such cases have been prosecuted and in two others proceedings are pending. It is not correct to say that individuals are starving; they are able to obtain supplies and necessaries in the locality. 203 This deplorable exhibition of hostility to the Jews has formed the subject of repeated investigation on the part of the authorities, who will continue to afford every protection to the Jews in the pursuit of their lawful avocations.
§ MR. SLOANIf I give the right hon. Gentleman cases where shops have refused to deal with these individuals will he have them investigated?
§ MR. WYNDHAMYes. Any information showing primâ facie evidence of the law having been broken will be carefully considered.
§ MR. JOYCE (Limerick)Is there any intention to introduce legislation to safeguard the people against extortionate usurers who charge 200 or 300 per cent. profit on shoddy articles.
§ [No answer was returned.]