§ Mr. STAVELEY-HILLasked the Chief Secretary what steps he proposes to take to offer protection to John Thomas Ward, publican, Thomas Kelly, provision merchant, Joseph Gallagher, and Terry Kelly, book-keepers and publicans, and Allen Nixon, postmaster, of Drumkeeran, who have signed a petition against Home Rule, and against whom a boycotting notice has been circulated calling upon Home Rulers to pass them by, as they are the sworn enemies of Ireland?
§ Mr. FRANCIS MEEHANBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask is he aware that it is only a further instance of the manner in which these stories are manufactured, that none of the gentlemen referred to in this question are against Home Rule, as they are all Home Rulers, and that they have never been boycotted, as the telegrams in my hand prove?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am not going into the telegrams which the hon. Member has received. The police authorities inform me that a boycotting notice directed against the persons named was circulated at Drumkeeran. It now appears that the petition was not against Home Rule, but had reference to proportional representation in the event of Home Rule becoming 560 law. The persons concerned are not believed to be in any danger, but they will be given any protection that may be necessary.