§ MR. O'KELLYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, 423 Whether it is a fact that a fine of one hundred and fifty pounds sterling was laid,' under the Peace Preservation (Ireland) Act, on the parish of Kidglass, in the county of Roscommon,in consequence of an assault; whether one hundred pounds of said fine were levied on the townland of Lavagh, in the parish of Kidglass, and whether that sum constitutes a tax of seven shillings and sixpence in the pound on the total valuation of said townland; whether it is a fact that ninety per cent. of the tenantry on the townland of Lavagh are in such distress that they are in receipt of relief from the Stokestown board of guardians and local relief committees; and, whether Her Majesty's Government, in view of the distressed condition of the tenantry on the townland of Lavagh, will take steps to prevent the enforcement of this fine under the operation of a Law they have not thought proper to renew?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERSir, I find on inquiry it is the fact that a fine of £150 was laid by the Grand Jury of Roscommon on this parish for an offence committed by some persons unknown. It is also a fact that £100 was ordered to be levied on the townland of Lavagh. That amount is equivalent to a tax of 3s. 8½d. in the pound half-yearly. I have reason to believe there are 21 families in the townland of Lavagh, all of whom, with the exception of four, are in receipt of relief, and of these four one was looking for it. The Government, though they have not thought fit to renew the Peace Preservation Act, cannot remit a fine legally inflicted; but that Act has not been renewed, partly on account of the hardship caused by the payment of fines in poor districts.