§ Mr. HAMBROasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to a speech at Waterford, on the 1st of November, by Captain Tupper, an official of the Seamen's and Firemen's Union, to the effect that the time was coming when the railway workers of Great Britain and Ireland would be all in the National Transport Workers Federation, and then they would have freedom; that never again would the workers submit to be batoned by the police or ridden over by the soldiery; that, if this were again attempted, the people would retaliate with firearms if necessary; and whether he proposes to take suitable notice of the incident and steps to prevent such speeches at meetings in Ireland in the future?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMy attention has been called to a speech delivered at Waterford by Captain Tupper on the 31st October. The words attributed to Captain Tupper are taken from a condensed newspaper report of his speech, and a reference to fuller reports shows that his statements as to what workers would do were conditional on the happening of events which were not likely to occur, and had no bearing on the present situation. The Irish Government do not propose to take any action.