Captain CRAIGasked if the Chief Secretary is aware that a disorderly crowd in New Ross compelled those inhabitants who recently exhibited Union Jacks to deliver up their flags, and that they wore then publicly burnt at the monument celebrating the rebellion of 1798; if the urban council of New Ross declined to express any condemnation of the action of these people; and what steps the police have taken, if any, in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed that on the occasion referred to by the hon. and gallant Member a party of strangers to the town requested that a bannerette which bore some resemblance to the Union Jack should be removed from the decorations, but no compulsion was used. The owner of the bannerette removed it, and I understand it was subsequently burnt, as stated in the question. The matter was discussed at a meeting of the urban council, and, although condemned by a number of speakers, it was decided to take no official notice of it. The occurrence was not witnessed by the police, and, indeed, was not generally known in the town until next day. There was no violence or disorder, and, in the circumstances, police action would appear to be neither necessary nor desirable.
Captain CRAIGWill the right hon. Gentleman give instructions to the police during the forthcoming celebrations to protect the Loyalists where necessary when they raise the Union Jack, and will he give the necessary instructions to the police to see that rowdy crowds do not interfere?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not think any such instructions will be at all necessary.