§ 31. Mr. DONNELLYasked the Chief Secretary what instructions have been given to the Irish police concerning the use of the Irish language; and whether he will consider the advisability of putting an end to the police prosecutions in Ireland against those who speak and use their native tongue?
§ Mr. SAMUELSNo person is prosecuted in Ireland for using the Irish language.
§ Mr. DONNELLYMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that an hon. Member of this House was arrested and detained for giving his name in Irish to a policeman.
§ Mr. SAMUELSI think I have heard of the case to which the hon. Gentleman refers. The gentleman was not arrested and detained for speaking Irish or giving his name in Irish.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs it not the fact that a large number of prosecutions have taken place against farmers for having their names printed in Irish on their carts?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI am not aware of any recent cases, but if the hon. Gentleman will give me instances I will have inquiry made.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWill you have the sentences for it quashed?
§ Mr. DEVLINWill it be necessary to put their names on the carts in Scottish now?