§ MR. S. SMITH (Flintshire)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he will inform the House at whose request the military were called to attend tithe sales in Flintshire; what were the representations which induced the authorities to consent to their being sent; upon whom will the cost of the military ultimately fall; and, whether the cost is a legal charge on the county rate?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)The military were called out at the request of the Local Authorities, on the representation of the Chief Constable that their presence was necessary for the preservation of the peace and good order of the county. The cost, if any, will fall upon the police rate. I cannot undertake to give an opinion on a question of 1835 law; but I am advised that the rate may properly be applied to this purpose.
§ MR. T. E. ELLIS (Merionethshire)asked, was not the Local Authority the Court of Quarter Sessions?
§ MR. MATTHEWSsaid, he was not aware whether it was the Court of Quarter Sessions or a Committee of the Court.
§ MR. T. E. ELLISasked, was there any resolution of the Local Authority, or was action taken on the word of the Chief Constable alone?
§ MR. MATTHEWSsaid, he was informed it was done on the representation of the Chief Constable, addressed to the Court of Quarter Sessions, and thereupon the latter made application to the Military Authorities.