§ MR. MOLLOYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it be true that on Monday the 24th instant at Rhode, in the King's County, the erection of huts to shelter poor labourers evicted by David Kerr was prevented by force under the orders of the resident magistrate; if it be true that these evicted labourers were thus left without any shelter, and without any means of subsistence, and under what law or by what authority the resident magistrate acted; and if he will take all necessary steps to prevent all further opposition to the erection of these huts, and against a repetition of such action; whether on the above occa- 1667 sion a most respectable farmer named O'Brien was taken into custody by order of the resident magistrate, and then and there sentenced to a fortnight's imprisonment with hard labour for questioning the right of the magistrate to prevent the erection of the above huts; and, if he will order his immediate release?
§ Mr. W. E. FORSTER,in reply, said, he had only that morning seen the report that the erection of huts to shelter poor labourers evicted in King's County had been prevented by force, by order of the Resident Magistrate. He would make inquiries, and answer the hon. Gentleman's Question in the course of a few days.