§ 64. Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland by whose instruction and with what object Miss Malone, of Moate, has been prosecuted for organising children to make a flag-day collection for the Irish National Language Fund; by whose instruction, and with what object, four of the little girls so organised were also prosecuted for making the collection; 770 and, the freedom to cultivate and use its own language being the common right of every nation, big or little, certain to be maintained at the forthcoming International Peace Congress, whether he is having a record kept of the hostile acts of those under his control in Ireland on this subject?
§ Mr. DUKEFour of the young women in question were found guilty at Moate Petty Sessions of an offence against Regulations made under the Statute for regulating collections in streets of public places. They were discharged without penalty in exercise of the powers given by the Probation of Offenders Act. Miss Malone was acquitted. I am informed that warnings of the Regulations had been given by the police and were disregarded.
§ Mr. GINNELLIs collecting for the Irish language a breach of the Defence of the Realm Act?
§ Mr. DUKENot if it is done in accordance with the law, but there is a Statute about this matter. I shall be happy to send it to the hon. Member, if he wishes to see it.