HC Deb 25 February 1904 vol 130 c989
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Ennistymon guardians in which it is asked by what authority Sergeants Coyne, Brennan, and Breden of the Royal Irish Constabulary questioned members of the clothing committee as to their reasons for rejecting clothing supplied by a contractor to the workhouse; and whether he will say by what authority the police acted in this matter.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. WYNDHAM,) Dover

The three sergeants named discussed this matter, which excited local interest, with some members of the clothing committee in the course of casual conversation. No inquiry was made, or directed to be made.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Had the police any power to interfere with the discretion of this committee?

MR. WYNDHAM

No. Persons occupying official positions should be discreet in any action they take, but you cannot always secure that.