HC Deb 06 September 1909 vol 10 cc901-2
Mr. LONSDALE

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on Sunday, the 29th of August, between the hours of 7 and 8 o'clock p.m., while public worship was being held in the Protestant Churches of Armagh, a band paraded the streets of the city, playing fifes and drums, and disturbing the worshippers, the noise being so great that in one church the minister, for some minutes could not be heard by the congregation; and whether, having regard to past assurances on this matter, he will take steps to prevent any recurrence of this annoyance?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am informed by the constabulary authorities that the members of the band in question, while driving back from sports at Keady, unexpectedly left their brakes and played through Armagh. Had the police anticipated their intention they would have asked them to refrain from playing near any church during Divine Service, a request with which the local bands always comply. The police will do all they can to prevent repetition of this annoyance.

Mr. LONSDALE

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that band-playing in the streets shall be prohibited in the neighbourhood of churches between St. Thomas's-street and Mill-street?

Mr. BIRRELL

I understand that no such instructions are necessary, because bands are always desirous of avoiding the disturbance of Divine worship during the hours at which it is being held. This is one of those sporadic cases which I hope will not occur again.

Mr. LONSDALE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this band played with deliberate provocative intention?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am not aware of that.

Mr. JEREMIAH MacVEAGH

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the members of the Black Preceptory march on Sunday, and will he take steps to stop them?

Mr. BIRRELL

I wish they would all stop at home.