§ MR. GILL (Louth, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the police battering ram in Donegal will be worked by policemen?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe police ram will not be used unless there is illegal and riotous resistance to the process of law. If there is such illegal and riotous resistance, it must be used in such manner as the necessity or con- 489 venience of the case requires for the purpose of diminishing danger to any of the parties concerned.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe broader proposition includes the narrower one.
§ MR. SEXTONIt has always been understood that the police have been present at evictions to protect the Sheriff's officers and for no other purpose. Is the right hon. Gentleman advised that the funds of the State can legally be used to provide machinery for breaking into houses?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have already more than once stated the object for which the ram is to be used; but I must not be taken to assent to the proposition of law laid down by the hon. Gentleman. If he will study the judgment of Chief Baron Palles, he will find he has narrowed and restricted the duty thrown on the police.
§ MR. CLANCYAs this ram is worked by the police, will the cost of it fall on the Constabulary Vote?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIf there is any cost at all, it will fall on the public funds, and will appear on the Estimates.