§ 18. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on the occasion of a leis, or popular gathering for the enjoyment of music and other arts, held at Kilbiggan, King's County, on 23rd June, a number of soldiers, armed with rifles, and a big motor lorry came into the town from 1703 Tullamore; and that these soldiers broke up a procession, tore down decorations, entered the Hall Club, where pictures were smashed and a lot of refreshments meant for the artists were devoured, and did other damage, and finally fired many shots, apparently to terrify the inhabitants; whether this was done on military orders; and whether instructions will be given to commanding officers in Ireland to avoid any action calculated to cause suspicion and disaffection?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI find that the hall was searched on the occasion referred to, but that the meeting, which was held in an adjoining field, was not interfered with. Later a procession in military formation marched through the town, and this was stopped. There was no firing. One picture, which was lying on a bench, was accidentally knocked off and the glass broken, but the picture was undamaged.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that very circumstantial and repeated accounts of this affair have appeared in the Irish newspapers, causing a great deal of dismay and discontent, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman say something to relieve that anxiety?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe facts are as stated in my answer.