§ MR. GINNELLI beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the character of the so-called Protestant Mutual Defence Association formed at Riverstown, county Sligo, for the purpose of intimidating Protestants and compelling them to transfer their custom from the Catholic to the Protestant traders and mechanics of that village and generally of creating in the district that ill-will which has recently eventuated in murder; whether it is with his sanction that one of the Protestant traders, the 1232 local postmaster, has assisted in founding this boycotting trade society with the sectarian name and actively practices its policy; and, if not, what action he proposes to take to restore the non-partisan character of the postal service in the Riverstown district.
§ MR. LONSDALEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the association referred to has been formed for the protection of the lives and property of Protestants who have been boycotted for refusing to subscribe to the funds of the United Irish League?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONThat is hardly a Question which affects my Department. In reply to the hon. Member for Westmeath I have to say I am making inquiry into the matter, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member in due course.