HC Deb 14 March 1905 vol 142 cc1385-6
MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S. )

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether police facilities will be given to the Clovenden, Loughgall (county Armagh) band to traverse the by-road leading to the county road, seeing that the only house on the by-road is that of the Catholic clergyman, and that there is no danger of a breach of the peace.

MR. ATKINSON

The police are of opinion that any attempt on the part of the band to proceed along the by-road in question would be calculated to provoke serious rioting and disturbance of the public peace. There is an alternative route by which the band has proceeded for some years past, and which is equally convenient. Under the circumstances the Government are unable to entertain the suggestion that the band should be allowed to traverse the road to which reference is made.

MR. MACVEAGH

How could a disturbance occur along a road in which there is only one house?

MR. ATKINSON

It might arise from the assembling of a large number of people.

MR. MACVEAGH

Would not the better way to preserve the peace be to prevent people coming into the district at all?

[No Answer was returned.]