§ 17. Mr. KINGasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, whereas Orange meetings in Belfast and the district were freely allowed on 12th July, a number of Gaelic League and other meetings, some of them for music and dancing and not for politics, were prohibited in Cork and the South on 6th July and other dates; whether he gave orders impartially throughout Ireland that where meetings were arranged before General Shaw's order the required seven days' notice would be remitted; and whether, if so, he can explain the unequal treatment of different parts and parties in Ireland in respect of meetings?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI am informed that the promoters of the Orange meetings held on 12th July applied in every case for permits under the Proclamation of 4th July. A number of Gaelic League and other meetings were arranged for the 7th July, and the promoters were advised to apply for permits, the seven days' notice required by the Proclamation being in no case insisted on. Most of these meetings, 1219 however, were not held, either having been abandoned or being prohibited, owing to the absence of the requisite permit.
§ Mr. KINGCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that absolutely equal treatment will be meted out in both cases?
§ Mr. SAMUELSCertainly.