§ * MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord - Lieutenant of Ireland if he will ascertain from the constabulary authorities the number of branches of the United Irish League in the counties of Leitrim, Longford, Galway, Roscommon, Clare, and Westmeath, respectively, and the proportion of those that have been active, during the past twelve months, in passing, intimidatory and boycotting resolutions which were subsequently published in the local newspapers.
§ MR. BIRRELLI do not propose to make the inquiries suggested by the hon. Member.
§ * MR. CHARLES CRAIGWhy does the right hon. Gentleman refuse the information in this case? He has already supplied it with reference to another county.
§ MR. BIRRELLI do not think it is any part of the business of the police to make exhaustive inquiries all over Ireland as to the nature of associations of this kind.
§ * MR. CHARLES CRAIGIs it not the fact that these United Irish League branches are the centres from which nearly all the disturbances arise, and is not that therefore a reason for procuring the information?
§ [No Answer was returned.]