HC Deb 05 April 1911 vol 23 cc2202-4
Mr. BIRD

asked what action the Government propose to take with reference to a lecture upon the Irish Brigade in the Transvaal, delivered in Dublin on 29th March by an official of the Dublin Corporation of the name of John M'Bride, who held the rank of major in the Boer Army, in which lecture disparaging references were made to the visit of the King to Ireland and threats used against the Throne, together with direct incitements against recruiting in the Army, Navy, and police forces?

Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to a meeting held in Dublin on the 29th ultimo, at which an official in the employment of the corporation said that they had in Ireland several movements for the purpose of bringing life into the country, and one of these was to prevent recruiting for the British Army, Navy, and police forces, which, if successful, would do more to hurt England than centuries of constitutional agitation, and added that they should strike against the Throne and the British Empire and for the freedom of Ireland; whether he is aware that the chairman, in proposing a resolution, stated that he had in his pocket three written pledges from the Lord Mayor that he would be no party to presenting a loyal address to the Sovereign; and whether, in view of the visit of the Court to Dublin Castle in the near future and the feeling aroused among the more loyal element of the population, he can see his way to advise the Viceroy on the measures best calculated to discourage such conduct as that mentioned?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Redmond Barry)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question, and may I at the same time reply to Question No. 81, relating to the same matter. I have seen newspaper reports of the meeting referred to by the hon. Gentlemen. The reports vary a good deal, but only in one of the Dublin newspapers of 30th March is to be found the particular language of threats and incitement indicated by the hon. Gentlemen, and set out in the first part of the question of the hon. Member for the Enfield Division of Middlesex. Judging by the reports, however, highly reprehensible language was used on the occasion, but I am informed there is no evidence forthcoming which could be availed of in the courts. Except by a proceeding in the courts there is no other way of dealing with the matter, and in these circumstances I do not think it is possible for action to be taken.

Mr. BIRD

Will the Attorney-General address some remonstrance to the Lord Mayor and Corporation of Dublin, who still retain in their employment a man who has given utterance——

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is making a speech.

Mr. MOORE

How long is it since the hon. and learned Gentleman has instituted any proceedings of any sort against this anti-enlistment campaign in Ireland?

Mr. BARRY

On every single occasion where evidence was forthcoming to establish a prosecution one has been brought.

Mr. LEE

Has the hon. and learned Gentleman issued statements in the Press about that?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

None whatever.

Mr. NEWMAN

May I ask if, on Friday last, the Dublin Corporation, by 28 votes to 8——

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and learned Gentleman is not responsible for the actions of the Dublin Corporation.

Mr. MOORE

In view of what has happened, will the hon. and learned Gentleman direct a police-constable notetaker to attend the next meeting?

Mr. MacVEAGH

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman also instruct the police notetakers to attend meetings in the North of Ireland at which hon. Members above the Gangway deliver incitements to civil war?