CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the hon. Member for Westmeath, North, has recently resumed his campaign in favour of cattle-driving in Ireland; whether he is aware that recently at Bal-linalack the hon. Member recommended that there should be no slackening in the movement so long as there was a hazel in the hedges; and whether His Majesty's Government intend to permit hon. Members of this House and other persons to incite the people to drive cattle without taking any action.
§ MR. BIRRELLI was not aware of the fact suggested in the first part of the Question. I understand, however, that at a recent meeting at Ballinalack the hon. Member for North Westmeath used some such language as is attributed to him in the Question. I am told that more than half of the persons present at the meeting were women and children. The Government do not propose to take any notice of this particular speech.
CAPTAIN CRAIGMay I ask whether hon. Members of this House are to be permitted to go over to Ireland and stir up the people in this way?
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDWhat about the 12th July?
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGMay I ask what bearing has the fact that half the crowd were women and children, on the question?
§ MR. BIRRELLIt has a bearing as to the effect of the inflammatory language used.