HC Deb 22 August 1889 vol 340 cc98-9
MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

I beg to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland if any other constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary besides Sergeant Dallas are engaged in cattle dealing; from what source are funds provided for the purchase of cattle by the police; and, in the event of a loss arising through these transactions, out of what fund will it be defrayed?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) University of Dublin

The Constabularly Authorities report that it is the case that some other constables besides Sergeant Dallas have been employed in bidding for cattle at fairs, with a view to detect persons unlawfully engaged in preventing the sale of cattle belonging to boycotted persons or raised on evicted farms. No expenditure for the purchase of cattle has been incurred; nor is any loss anticipated.

MR. M. HEALY (Cork)

May I ask what would happen if the constables' offer was accepted?

MR. MADDEN

That question I shall answer when the circumstance has arisen.

MR. FLYNN

The hon. and learned Gentleman has not answered the last part of the question—namely, out of what fund any loss arising from these transactions would be defrayed.

MR. MADDEN

I have just stated that no loss has, as yet, occurred, and none is anticipated.

MR. FLYNN

My question is in the future tense, and applies to the future only.

MR. MADDEN

I have not the least doubt that if any loss did occur it would be borne by the public funds.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

How or in what cases can a loss arise? How is it arranged that these constables shall attend sales? Can a boycotted man require the Government to bid for his cattle?

MR. MADDEN

The employment of constables in the manner which I have mentioned must rest with the Executive, who would exercise a discretion in the matter.

MR. T. M. HEALY

May I ask the First Lord of the Treasury if it is to become a system that land grabbers are to secure the attendance of the police at Irish fairs, and get the Government to bid for their cattle, so that any loss that may be incurred may be thrown upon the public funds?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH,) Strand, Westminster

The hon. and learned Gentleman must be aware that, having just entered the House, I know nothing of the question or of the answer which has been given to it. I think the hon. and learned Gentleman must take the answer of the Solicitor General as the answer of the Government.

MR. T. M. HEALY

As the Chancellor of the Exchequer is in his place, may I ask him, before the Government decide upon allowing the cattle of the land grabber to be paid for out of the Imperial Exchequer, whether the Treasury will be consulted?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover Square

I must ask for notice of that question.

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