Unionist Clubs in Ireland (Council Meeting, Belfast). (Hansard, 11 May 1911)

§ Mr. KERR-SMILEY
asked the Chief Secretary whether he has any official information showing that several detectives were present at a council meeting of the Unionist clubs of Ireland, held in Belfast on 15th April; if so, by whose orders were they present and whether they were acting under official instructions?

§ Mr. BIRRELL
No orders were issued for the attendance of police at the meeting referred to.

§ Mr. MOORE
Were they there?

§ Mr. BIRRELL
I do not know whether they were there or not. If they were they were not there in pursuance of any order.

§ Mr. KERR-SMILEY
Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry and find out?

§ Mr. BIRRELL
Yes, if you like.

§ Mr. FARRELL
Why should they not be there as well as at meetings of the United Irish League?

§ Mr. BIRRELL
The longer ears the police have the better.

§ Mr. MOORE
How long is it since the Government got afraid of loyal institutions in Ireland?

§ Mr. MacVEAGH
When did you get afraid of the police?