§ MR. HARRIS (Galway, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Is it true that, at an early hour on Friday morning last, Mr. Gilman, District Inspector, Ballinasloe, with a force of 60 police, assisted the Sheriff's bailiffs in taking possession of Mr. James Kilmartin's holding, Shralea, Ballinasloe; whether it is a fact that Mrs. Kilmartin had to rise from her sick bed, and go out in the cold drenching rain with her little children, while in the state of health described in the following certificate:—
This is to certify that Mrs. Kilmartin, Shralea, has been under my treatment for some weeks, suffering from severe mammary abscess. In addition, she is on the eve of being confined, and, in my opinion, eviction from her home in her present condition may seriously imperil her life.(Signed)J. T. De La Hunt, L.R.C.S. and P. Ed. "Ballinasloe, 1st June, 1888.And, is it a fact that, while this eviction was being carried out, the husband of this woman (Mr. James Kilmartin) was in Galway Gaol, suffering three months' imprisonment under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, for language used at a public meeting; and, if so, will the Government state what they purpose to do with regard to this case?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)The Inspector General of Constabulary reports that this eviction was carried out by the Sub-Sheriff, who was protected by the police, a breach of the peace having been anticipated. The tenant is reported to have been offered very reasonable terms to come to a settlement; but he declined to accept them. The landlord does not appear to have had any knowledge of the medical certificate alluded to until after the eviction took place. Kilmartin was at the time undergoing sentence of imprisonment.