§ Mr. LONSDALEasked whether the right hon. Gentleman has received a letter from Mr. Robert Geelan, appealing for protection against the action of the United Irish League, in Clonguish, county Longford; whether he is award that the "Longford Leader" newspaper, of 29th January, 1910, published a report of a meeting of the Clonguish branch of the United Irish League, held at Newtown-forbes on Sunday, 23rd January, in which the boycotting of Mr. Geelan was openly advocated, and certain persons were called upon to cease having dealings with Mr. Geelan and others; and whether any proceedings have been instituted against those who have organised this boycott or the proprietor and conductor of the newspaper which published the notice and resolutions of the League branch?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have received a letter from Mr. Geelan in the sense indicated by the hon. Member, and I am aware that the "Longford Leader" did on the date mentioned publish the report referred to. The question of a prosecution for conspiracy in this case has been under consideration, but, on the evidence available up to the present, no proceedings could be instituted.
§ Mr. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that newspapers which publish boycotting notices shall not receive Government advertisements?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will consider that.