§ MR. WARTON (for Lord ARTHUR, HILL)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that in Munster some crops are likely to be lost, owing to the fact that labour cannot be obtained; and, if so, whether he will give directions that assistance shall be rendered by the troops, when practicable, or whether he will devise some other mode by means of which those crops will be saved?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in rely, said, he was aware that there was a dispute between the labourers and the farmers in regard to wages and other matters, and he saw some hope that it might be arranged, and, therefore, could not say that the crops would not be obtained. As to assistance being rendered by the troops, it was a very serious matter indeed to give directions to the troops to interfere in what was after all a wages dispute between the parties. A very strong case would be necessary to warrant such interference.
§ MR. PARNELLasked whether the constabulary had assisted in mowing and storing hay on farms in possession of the Emergency Committee, and whether an aide-de-camp, a member of the Lord Lieutenant's household, had been used as an agent for the purpose of making extensive purchases of agricultural implements on behalf of the Emergency Committee?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERasked the hon. Member to give Notice of his Questions.