§ 26. Major NEWMANasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience to the public and damage to Government property, the result of republican processions and demonstrations in the city and district of Cork; whether he is aware that during the past week the windows of the recruiting offices in the city of Queenstown have been broken, parties of soldiers made the objects of hostile demonstrations, and constabulary pelted; and will he say what action do the Irish Government propose to take to put an end to such disturbances?
Mr. SAMUELAs regards the incident in Cork on the 13th instant, I would refer to the reply which I gave yesterday to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds. Again on the 14th instant in Cork, during a parade of some youthful demonstrators, three police were struck by eggs or oranges thrown by persons in the crowd, which dispersed immediately on the police being ordered to draw batons. On the same day, at Queenstown, members of a crowd of 500 which had assembled to welcome released prisoners hissed in passing some military officers and pulled down a recruiting notice. No windows were broken on the occasion. The police are taking steps to prevent such occurrences in future.
§ Major NEWMANIs there any place in the British Empire outside Ireland where such processions would be allowed?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a question which the Home Secretary cannot be expected to answer.