§ MR. BIGGARasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, If it is a fact that during last week the house of Francis Worthy, of Castlerea, was entered by the police at half-past four o'clock in the morning on a search for arms; if he will lay upon the Table of the House a Copy of the Warrant under which this domiciliary visit was made; if the visit was made under the 3rd section of "The Peace Preservation Act, 1875," authorising such visits "between sunrise and sunset;" and, whether, having regard to the manifest intention of the Legislature that such visit should not be made during sleeping hours, he will issue instructions against such visits at hours when, although the sun has risen, the occupants of the house are certain to be in bed?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERYes, Sir, it is quite correct that the House referred to was entered by the police, who acted under a warrant issued by the Lords Justices of Ireland under the provisions of the Peace Preservation (Ireland) Act, 1875. The warrant bears date June 12, 1878, and was executed after sunrise on June 14. As to a copy of the warrant being laid upon the Table, if the hon. Member will give Notice, I will consider whether this can be done. With regard to the last paragraph of the hon. Member's Question, I do not think it would be advisable to issue instructions to the effect suggested by him.
§ MR. BIGGARgave Notice of his intention to move a Resolution on the subject.