§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, on Wednesday last, a force of the Irish Constabulary acted in Gweedore, County Donegal, as bailiffs in the execution of warrants for arrears of seed rate, and made seizures after sunset, including a seizure of wool, the property of the managers of the Donegal Industrial Fund?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: The warrants alluded to are especially addressed to the police, who are acting in their capacity as constables in the execution of them. The seizures referred to appear to have been made on the morning of Wednesday last. The agent of the Donegal Industrial Fund claimed the wool seized; and he was informed by the police that if he would make a declaration that it was the property of the Fund it would be given up. He, however, did not do so, and the wool was sold with the other seizures.
§ MR. SEXTONasked the right hon. and gallant Gentleman, if he was aware that the police lay in ambush near the house during the night, and at a considerable time before dawn made the seizure; whether, under the circumstances, the seizure was legal; whether the warrant was issued two and a-half years ago; and what steps would be taken to indemnify the owners of the property?
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANsaid, he had no information upon the subject beyond that he had given to the House. He did not know how long the warrant had been issued.
§ MR. SEXTONasked the Attorney General for Ireland whether a seizure made before dawn was legal?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOE IRELAND (Mr. GIBSON) (Liverpool, Walton)said, if the hon. Member put the Question on the Paper he would answer it.