§ MR. LONSDALETo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to a speech delivered by the hon. Member for North Mayo at a meeting of the United Irish League, held at Ardagh, county Mayo, on Sunday the 6th instant; whether the hon. Member had any authority for suggesting that the Government approved of boycotting; and what steps are being taken to protect bidders at the sale in question and prevent a breach of the peace.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Answer to the first part of the Question is in the 152 affirmative; to the second in the negative both as respects the alleged contents of the speech and as regards the view attributed to the Government. Adequate police arrangements were made for the protection of bidders at the auction, but six of the lots were disposed of before it took place, and it was announced that the seventh was to be disposed of by private contract.