§ MR. MAHONY (Meath, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that the evictions carried out at Glenbeigh during the week commencing the 10th January, were carried out by a person purporting to act for the Sheriff, but who had no proper authority for so acting; whether the Magistrates at Killorglin Petty Sessions, held on 24th January, unanimously refused informa- 894 tion against 25 persons charged with obstructing the Sheriff's Deputy during the course of these evictions, on the ground that the said Deputy had not been legally appointed; whether this person, during the course of the evictions, was protected in his work by a force of police; whether the houses of which he took possession were handed over to Mr. Roe; whether many of these houses were burnt and levelled by Mr. Roe; and whether Mr. Roe was protected by a force of police whilst engaged in this work?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)I cannot express any opinion as to whether or not the Sheriff's Deputy had authority to act. The Government have no control over the Sheriff, who, as I am advised, is responsible to the Court from which a writ issues for the due execution of such writ. If any person considers himself aggrieved, he has his legal remedy. I believe the magistrates refused information on the ground stated. The Sheriff's Deputy, and Mr. Roe, were protected by the police; the houses of which possession was taken were handed to Mr. Roe; and 10 of them were destroyed.
§ MR. M. HEALY (Cork)wished to know whether he was to understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the Government would not inquire whether the person who conducted the evictions in question had legal warrant for his action or not?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHWe have every reason to suppose that he had such warrant.