HC Deb 17 March 1904 vol 131 cc1407-8
MR. O'SHEE (Waterford, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are stationed outside the house in which the Lismore branch of the United Irish League holds its meetings during the time such meetings are proceeding; and, if so, will he state by whose direction this is done and for what purpose; and whether he will direct that this practice should be discontinued in view of the peacefulness of the district.

MR. WYNDHAM

The police on duty in the vicinity of the house at which these meetings are held is the ordinary street patrol sent out to enforce the licensing laws.

MR. O'SHEE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this practice is continually going on?

MR. WYNDHAM

No, Sir.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the practice of the police, when patrolling the streets, to station themselves close to where these meetings are being held?

MR. WYNDHAM

My information is that the police are not stationed against a particular house.

MR. SHEEHAN

They actually take the names of persons attending these meetings.