HC Deb 28 October 1920 vol 133 cc1914-5
17. Mr. ALLEN PARKINSON

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the suppression of fairs and markets in Ireland is due to military necessity or is a method of waging economic war against the Irish people?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

It has been necessary to prohibit all public meetings, assemblies and processions in a number of districts in Ireland, and fairs and markets come within the scope of this general prohibition. The only ground on which this action has been taken has been the apprehension of disturbances and attacks on police if such meetings were allowed. These prohibitions are restricted to certain specific districts of certain counties and the prohibition against fairs and markets extends only to two districts.