§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it was by direction from his office that a removable magistrate at Strokes-town last week fined Mrs. O'Flaherty £2 for having displayed an Irish national flag; whether, after consulting persons acquainted with Ireland, he will allow the display of an Irish flag to be punished as a crime; and, if so, how he will deal with the public in election contests who march and speak under that flag and no other?
§ Mr. DUKEThere was no direction for a prosecution. I am told the alleged offence was a breach of the law regulating the use of licensed premises. The decision is under appeal. I am not aware of any case in which the display of a flag has of itself been dealt with as a crime.