§ MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether a Circular has recently been issued by Divisional Magistrate Cullen, giving instructions (inter alia) that—
In all important evictions likely to cause comment a reference should be made to me before protection is promised …. all harsh evictions should be reported to me before protection is promised. … protection in cases of demolition of houses or the wholesale clearing of estates should not be given without previous reference to me;and, whether the issue of the Circular has the sanction of the Government?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I am afraid that I can only give the same answer to the hon. Member as I have given on previous occasions to similar Questions—namely, that I do not feel called upon to answer any Questions with regard to alleged Circulars, which must either be forgeries, or have been obtained through breach of confidence of some person to whom they were entrusted.