HC Deb 03 February 1881 vol 258 cc53-4
MR. FINIGAN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Upon what grounds and upon what informations it has been thought necessary to proclaim the County Clare, which is stated by responsible persons in the county to be in a condition of peace and order?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

The County Clare was proclaimed by the Lord Lieutenant because of its unsatisfactory state on the urgent representations of the Lieutenant of the county, the magistrates, and the Constabulary authorities. Those representations were well weighed by His Excellency, and he thought that the county ought to be proclaimed. I am not aware that any responsible person has reported the county to be in a condition of "peace and order." I suppose by "responsible persons" the hon. Member means people publicly responsible for the observance of peace and order.

MR. FINIGAN

Town Commissioners.

MR. W. E. FORSTER

Town Commissioners are hardly responsible for the county of Clare. There are 31 persons in the county who are specially watched over.