§ 16. Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief -Secretary if he is aware that a young man named John Scanlan, of Galbally, was summoned to Bansha Petty Sessions because of reciting a certain poem; that the magistrates, including the local resident magistrate, were unanimous in dismissing the case; and if steps will be taken to prevent over-officious policemen from creating discontent by bringing such trifling and wholly uncalled-for incidents to Court or if instructions have been issued that any man who sings or recites an Irish song or poem is to be subject to prosecution?
§ Mr. DUKEJohn Scanlan was summoned to Bansha Petty Sessions on 6th November on a charge under the Defence of the Realm Regulations of using language which was seditious and calculated to prejudice recruiting. The fact that the magistrates dismissed the case does not necesarily show that the police acted unreasonably in taking it up. If the hon. Member will inquire among his constituents he will find there is no ground for the suggestion in the last part of the question.