HC Deb 28 April 1885 vol 297 cc960-1
MR. LEWIS

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the Government are in possession of information regarding the existence of a state of extreme lawlessness in the district of Gweedore, county Donegal; whether special magisterial reports from the districts have been received; and, what steps the Government are taking to put down intimidation and boycotting, and to enforce the Queen's writ?

MR. T. D. SULLIVAN

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that Question, I would wish to ask him, whether the district referred to in the Question has not, for a long series of years, been the scene of excessive rack-renting, extreme poverty, and many cruel evictions; and, whether the Government intend to take any steps to put an end to so intolerable a state of things?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Perhaps the hon. Member will give Notice of that Question. In answer to the Question on the Paper, I have to say that there has been a good deal of excitement in this district, and it has been the subject of report and inquiry on the spot. The means adopted by the Government with the view of preventing the Boycotting and intimidation are the same as those used in other parts of the country; and the necessity has been impressed on the local police of making every endeavour to render amenable any persons guilty of these practices. Due protection will be given to the officers of the law in the execution of their duties.

MR. SEXTON

Is it not a fact that a great many evictions have taken place in the district, and that the Inspector of the Local Government Board reported that men, women, and children were lying for days and nights together in the ditches under the rain?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I must ask for Notice of the Question.