§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the despatch sent by Mr. 360 Hugh Martin, the correspondent to a London daily newspaper now in Ireland, and published in that daily newspaper this morning, stating that he was threatened by policemen in uniform in presence of Mr. McGregor, the special correspondent of a London evening paper, in the streets of Tralee, on the night of Monday, the 1st inst., and whether he will give immediate orders that in no circumstances are any journalists in Ireland, British or foreign, to be attacked or punished by the police except under due process of law?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have read the despatch in question, and I have no information of the incident described therein, but I at once telegraphed to the District Inspector of Police at Tralee to inquire into the matter and to give me all the information in his power. The Government will take every step in their power to prevent any attack on any journalist in Ireland. Every facility is given to journalists, without regard to nationality or papers, to visit all parts of Ireland.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask whether, in view of the very specific charges made in the presence of reputable witnesses, the right hon. Gentleman will himself at once telegraph ordering that no steps be taken against journalists in Ireland, British or foreign?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThere are no steps being taken against journalists in Ireland. Ireland is the freest country in the world—for journalists.
§ Mr. DEVLINI had given notice of a question which related to the matter raised by the question just asked.