HC Deb 30 July 1918 vol 109 cc246-7W
Mr. KING

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that on 18th July when some men came together, without public bill, notice, or announcement to form a section of the Irish. Transport and General Workers' Union at Dunkerrin, Roscrea, and were entering a disused shop for the purpose, Sergeant Lucas and two police entered and prevented the gathering or further progress of this trades union assembly; whether it was on orders from Dublin Castle or the Chief Secretary that this action was taken; and under what Statute or Regulation are trade union gatherings of a private nature prohibited or illegal.

Mr. SHORTT

I am informed that a gathering was about to take place in the Sinn Fein club-room at Dunkerrin, near Roscrea, when the persons convening the meeting were informed that it could not take place without a permit. The organiser of the meeting stated that it would take too long to obtain a permit, and that he would not ask to hold the meeting. There is no prohibition ofbonâ fide trades union gatherings of a private nature.