HC Deb 20 May 1909 vol 5 cc556-7
Mr. MOORE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has any official information showing that members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, at Carrickmore, county Tyrone, endeavour to compel others to join the order by means of boycotting, threatening, interfering with persons buying and selling, and with tradesmen carrying on their trade, and, still worse, by waylaying and beating persons who do not join their society; and, if so, what action does the Government propose to take?

Mr. BIRRELL

The police authorities inform me that they have no evidence that the members of this society have acted in the manner described in the question.

Mr. MOORE

Is he aware that this is the publicly expressed opinion of Cardinal Logue?

Mr. BIRRELL

I can only say, in a matter of this kind. I prefer the evidence of a policeman to that of a cardinal.