§ 113. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to the case of seven persons connected with the Irish Transport Workers' Union, who were charged at the Dublin Police Court, on Tuesday, 5th May, convicted, and fined 5s. and costs each, respectively; whether he is aware that their offence consisted in attending and addressing a demonstration to protest against the exclusion of Ulster from the provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill; and if he will take action to quash the conviction?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)My attention has been called to this case in which seven persons were fined for obstructing one of the principal thoroughfares in Dublin and holding up the traffic for about two hours, to the great inconvenience of the public. I understand that the magistrates who convicted the defendants has, at their request, stated a case for the opinion of the King's Bench Division, and until this is heard and determined I cannot make any further statement on the subject.