§ MR. REDMONDasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is true, as stated in the "Freeman's Journal" of 28th April, that, on the previous day, the tenants of the Marquis of Ely to the number of 200 assembled at Fethard, county Wexford, for the purpose of discussing a circular received from their landlord; whether the meeting was attended by two members of the Constabulary force who refused to leave when requested to do so; whether the meeting in consequence broke up without considering the propositions for a settlement which were to have been submitted; and, whether the action of the police had his approval?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERYes, Sir, I find it is a fact that a number of tenants—about 200—on the estate of the Marquess of Ely assembled at Fethard, County Wexford, on the 27th ultimo. The police were not sent thither with the object of interfering with the meeting; but it was necessary that a few should be present, as it was believed a difference of opinion existed among the tenants, which might lead to a breach of the peace.
§ MR. REDMONDThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered that part of my Question asking whether the meeting broke up in consequence of the presence of the police?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERMost certainly the police did not break up the meeting.