HC Deb 26 April 1909 vol 4 cc30-1
Mr. LONSDALE

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on Easter Monday a party of Armagh Orangemen, who were proceeding in orderly procession along the public road, were stopped by the police at Killymaddy, and compelled to go by a circuitous route to their destination, so that they arrived late for their meeting; and whether he will state on what grounds the police authorities took this action, having regard to the facts that there were no indications that the procession would be opposed, that there have been no disturbances in the district hitherto, and the utmost good feeling has prevailed among all sections of the people.

Mr. BIRRELL

The police heard on Good Friday that two Orange bands intended going to the opening of an Orange Hall, at Derrycreevy, on Easter Monday, by way of Battleford Bridge, a route which lies through a Nationalist locality, and has not been used by Orange Bands for 60 years. It is about two miles longer than the direct route. The bands, though warned by the police that they would not be allowed to adopt this proposed route, attempted to do so, and it was only with much difficulty that they were made to take the direct road. Any delay which occurred was due to the action of the bands in defying the police.

Mr. LONSDALE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the route chosen was the county road, and was the shortest route between the two places; and is he aware that the district is not a Nationalist district, although on some portion of the road there are some Nationalists living?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not exactly know how that is, but I am very anxious that matters should remain as they were. This route has not been used by Orange bands for the past 60 years, and my conservative instincts lead me to preserve that state of things.

Mr. LONSDALE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there was no suggestion of an attack, and that no disturbance occurred in the district before?

Mr. BIRRELL

We are all liable to provocation.

Mr. LONSDALE

Why on this occasion should there be provocation?

Mr. SPEAKER

Order, order. The hon. Member is now arguing.