HC Deb 18 April 1887 vol 313 cc1105-6
MR. D. SULLIVAN (Westmeath, S.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Constable Golden, at a recent eviction at Coolatore, County Westmeath, when directed by District Inspector Mullener to break a window, for the purpose of enabling the evicting party to enter the house, replied— That he had a great objection to do it, or to act as a bailiff, while three bailiffs were looking on. His officer then said— I shall only have to order you to do so. Golden replied— If I do so it will be illegal. I have been on eviction duty for the last 12 years, and have never been asked to do anything of the sort, nor will I do it now; whether Constable Golden had to go before his officer, on his return to Moate, to answer for his refusal to act as a bailiff's assistant; whether Constable Golden has tendered his resignation, or has he been compelled to do so; and, whether it is part of a policeman's duty in Ireland to act as a bailiff at an eviction?

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)

(who replied) said: The constable did not use the words attributed to him in this Question when selected as one of the men to force an entrance by climbing; he said he would rather not; but, on being ordered, he at once proceeded. He had not to go before his officer in connection with this. He has recently voluntarily tendered his resignation; but not through any disagreement with the Authorities.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

May I ask the right hon. and gallant Member, whether the Government hold that it is the duty of a constable to break windows at an eviction?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

I should say that the Government hold it is the duty of the police to obey the orders of an officer.

MR. D. SULLIVAN

I wish to point out that the right hon. and gallant Member has not answered the third paragraph of the Question.

[No reply.]