§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that, at the Ballickmoyler Petty Sessions of the 24th ultimo, the following persons were sued for the under-mentioned sums on account of the Extra Police Tax, viz.: Margaret M'Donnell for ½d. (one halfpenny); Thomas Delaney for 2d.; Thomas Gorman 1d.; Ellen Bruder 1½d.; John Abbin 5d.; John Brennan 4d.; William Mackey 3½d.; and whether he sanctioned these proceedings; and, whether he will state the grounds on which the Extra Police Tax is levied; and what there is or has been in the district to justify the impost?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe persons named were summoned as stated. The police tax is levied according to the valuation of the holdings, and the sums in this case were very small, as they were in payment for a period of only 18 days. The proceedings were taken in ordinary course of law, and my sanction was not required. The extra police force was sent to the district on account of the existence of intimidation and "Boycotting," whereby it became necessary to afford extra protection to certain obnoxious persons.
MR. O'BRIENwished to know, in reference to a number of illegal decrees granted in the Monanimy case, whether the Government would pay the expenses of the police who carried out the illegal seizures?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANreplied, that he was not aware of the circumstances.
§ MR. SEXTONI would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks it a wise or intelligent proceeding to put the whole machinery of the law in operation for the purpose of enforcing the payment of a halfpenny from a widow?
§ [No reply.]