§ 28. Mr. JOYCEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the fact that Freemason lodges are inviting all Protestant policemen to take immediate steps to become members of the Freemason Society before the Constabulary and Police (Ireland) Bill is placed on the Statute Book as an Act of Parliament; will he inquire if the Limerick Lodge is to hold a special meeting on Friday night next, the 24th instant, to facilitate two-members of the police force, stationed at William Street Police Barracks, Limerick, in becoming members of this society, having regard to recent Parliamentary action in the interest of good order and discipline of the Royal Irish Constabulary; will he take action to prevent them from joining the Freemasons' Society; and, in view of the recent police developments in Dublin, will he give 1559 orders that any policeman joining this society in the city of Limerick will be sent to some other station?
§ Mr. DUKEI have no information that Freemasons' lodges are taking action as alleged in this question, nor that the Limerick Lodge is to hold a meeting with the object mentioned.
§ Mr. JOYCEAre we to understand that while it is treason for Irish policemen to join a Catholic benefit society, it is a means of advancement for policemen in Ireland to join the Freemason society, which is a political society?
Mr. NUGENTWill the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made in Limerick from an impartial authority as to the statement made in this question?
§ Mr. DUKEIf hon. Members will have regard to the action taken by the hon. Member for East Mayo on this difficult subject, less than a week ago, they will see how far it is in the public interest that questions of this kind should be pressed.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is not entitled to argue.