§ MR. J. DEVLINTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that members of the police force in Belfast have been on duty outside well-conducted licensed premises in that city for some weeks past, keeping customers under observation and seriously interfering with the owners in the conduct of their legitimate trade; whether any explanation is forthcoming as to the reason for this surveillance; whether it involves any extra expenditure; and, if so, by whom will the expenditure be borne; and whether he will give instructions for the discontinuance of the practice.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Government directed the police authorities to collect information as to the number of women and children frequenting public-houses in the six county 939 boroughs of Ireland during the fortnight ending 26th June. In collecting this information the duty referred to in the Question was performed, and the police authorities are satisfied that there was no interference with the legitimate trade of the publicans whose houses were under observation. No extra expenditure was incurred. The duty terminated on 26th June.