HC Deb 27 May 1913 vol 53 cc23-4
48. Mr. F. HALL

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he has given directions for the issue of a circular through the Irish Constabulary Inspector-General, requesting information as to the drilling of sections of the loyalist Protestant population in Belfast and the North of Ireland; and, if so, whether he can indicate the nature of the information received?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture, Ireland)

My right hon. Friend has given no such directions, but the police in the ordinary course of their duty keep the Government informed upon such matters. It would be contrary to practice to publish police reports which are absolutely confidential.