HC Deb 03 June 1881 vol 262 cc5-6
MR. REDMOND

asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, If his attention has been called to the following paragraph, which appeared in the "Standard" of 2nd June:— The Sub-inspector of Police for the district called at the various posting establishments in Kilkenny yesterday, and exhibited a warrant signed by the Lord Lieutenant, warning car-owners and drivers that, in the event of their refusing to supply cars to the Constabulary or Military in future, the former shall be fined £20 and the latter imprisoned for a certain period; and, whether these statements are authentic; and, if so, what Act empowers the Lord Lieutenant to issue such a warrant and to inflict such penalties?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. LAW)

, in reply, said, he must ask the hon. Gentleman to postpone his Question. He had telegraphed to Dublin, asking if there was any foundation for the statement, but had not as yet received an answer. He did not believe it was quite correct. That was all he could say at present.

MR. REDMOND

inquired, whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman knew of any statutes under which punishments of this kind could be inflicted?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. LAW)

Yes, Sir.

MR. PARNELL

Have the police power to seize horses and cars without the consent of the owners; and are not the latter justified in using such force as may be necessary to resist the seizure?

MR. FINIGAN

reminded the right hon. and learned Gentleman that similar conduct on the part of the Government had been pursued in Ireland in 1867, but that there was no legal authority for their doing so.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. LAW)

said, he hoped the hon. Member did not think him wanting in courtesy if he declined at present to answer these Questions; but he might say there were enactments under which carriages could be seized.