§ MR. JORDAN (Clare, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention has been directed to the telegram in The Star, of the 1st of August, addressed to the hon. Member for North Dublin County (Mr. 1240 Clancy), at the House of Commons, from Mr. Kerr, a Scotch Justice of the Peace, stating that he saw with his own eyes—
The tenants' furniture ruthlessly destroyed, the furniture, bedroom ware, clothes, contents of sleeping room, without any consideration whatever. This happened at Kilrush;and, whether, in view of this independent testimony, he still adheres to his statement that he believes the report of the officials in the matter?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I have given the fullest available information on the general subject of this Question. I do adhere to my belief as to the accuracy of that information. The wilful destruction of property alleged would, I apprehend, be clearly illegal, and those concerned in the matter have an ample opportunity of testing it in a legal manner.
§ MR. JORDANIf I supply the right hon. Gentleman with the testimony of other independent witnesses, will he still adhere to his references to my veracity in this matter?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. I expressed no opinion on his veracity. I expressed a very strong opinion on the veracity of Colonel Turner, and to that opinion I adhere.