HC Deb 28 July 1887 vol 318 cc366-7
MR. TUITE (Westmeath, N.)

asked I the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What number of cases of taking and holding forcible possession, or of assault on the Sheriff or his bailiffs, have been reported from the County of Westmeath during the 18 months ended the 30th June last; and, whether, since the 30th June, any case or cases of the kind referred to have been reported to the Inspector General of Constabulary?

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)

(who replied) said: The Inspector General of Constabulary states that no cases of the nature referred to have been reported from the County Westmeath during the period named.

MR. TUITE

Then may I ask why the county has been proclaimed under that section which specially relates to those offences; and whether it was to facilitate the evictions now pending upon a certain estate?

COLONEL KING- - HARMAN

The County of Westmeath is reported as being in a dangerous condition. There is an immense amount of intimidation in the greater part of it.

MR. TUITE

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is not a single case of intimidation in the county?

COLONEL KING-HARMAN

No, Sir. I am aware, from my own personal knowledge, that there are a great many.