§ 14 and 15. Mr. DONOVANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) why, in view of the fact that the National Organisation, of the United Irish League has not been officially proclaimed in Ireland, the police authorities are permitted to issue mandatory notifications against the holding of meetings of this constitutional body, coupled with threats of prosecution against those attending; whether any such notification on the part of the authorities was given to the promoters of the Orange demonstration held in Belfast and other centres in Ireland on the 11th and 12th July last; if not, What reason exists for discriminating in favour of the Orange lodges in this regard; (2) whether, in view of the fact that the Gaelic Athletic Association was not within the category of the organisations recently proclaimed as illegal in Ireland, he will say why the police authorities banned the playing of football and hurling matches under the auspices of this body except with the special permission of the authorities; whether it is intended to discriminate in favour of such fixtures as the sham battle of Scarva, cricket, golf, croquet, yachting, boxing, and other recreations as sports within the meaning of the terms of the Proclamation; and whether the promoters of all forms of outdoor and athletic matches in Ireland are required to apply for permission before holding their fixtures?
§ Mr. SHORTTAll meetings, assemblies, or processions in public places are prohibited by Order of 4th July made under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, unless a permit is obtained. This equally applied and was enforced in the case of the Orange demonstration recently held in Belfast. What is described as the sham battle of Scarva did not take place this year, as a permit to carry arms would not be given. Any gathering which comes within the Regulation requires a permit, which is always granted in the case of bonâ fide sports or entertainments.
§ Mr. DORISIs an hon. Member allowed to address his constituents in Ireland? And why did the Member for West Mayo 1979 get notice that he should not address a meeting of his constituents in Park last Sunday?
§ Mr. SHORTTHe did not get any such notice. He may have been told that he could not address them without a permit.
§ Mr. DILLONIs the right hon. Gentleman going to introduce that law into this country—that no Member can address his constituents without a permit? Is that the democratic liberty for which we are called on to fight?
§ Mr. DEVLINMay I address a meeting of the Irish in Newcastle-on-Tyne without a permit?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes. There is no necessity in Great Britain to get permits, because there is no necessity.
Mr. NUGENTIn reference to the statement that the battle of Scarva was postponed, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason that the battle of Scarva was adjourned was because there have been a successful sham battle and a complete triumph in Dublin Castle?
§ Mr. SHORTTMy information is contrary to that, but if my hon. Friend wishes I will make further inquiry.
Mr. NUGENTMight I suggest that he will communicate on the next occasion with Major Price, and he will get his information.
§ Mr. DEVLINCould the right hon. Gentleman give us a demonstration of a sham battle in the Library?