§ MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (for Mr. HEALY)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is true that on Friday 24th June, Mr. Patten Bridge, after being refused the use of every hotel and office which he applied at in Cahir, county Tipperary, as a place to receive his rents, was permitted to use part of the premises of the Cahir police barracks as a rent office; and, if so, whether this is in accordance with, or is a breach of, the Royal Irish Constabulary regulations, and if he approves of it?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, his information was that on the 24th of June Mr. Bridge went to Cahir to collect rents. Owing to the terror established by the Land League, he was turned out of the offices where he used to collect them, and also out of the hotel, and could not gain admittance anywhere. He then went to the sub-Inspector and asked permission to remain in the barracks. That request was very properly acceded to, as he was under police protection, and there was a large crowd in the town. Mr. Bridge was not allowed to collect rents in the barracks; but as some of the tenants had brought their money from a considerable distance, he was allowed to meet them in one of the outhouses or adjoining buildings in the barrack-yard. No breach of the Constabulary Regulations had been committed; and, as the hon. Mem- 1944 ber had specifically asked the Question, he had no hesitation in saying that he approved the action of the Constabulary.