HC Deb 19 August 1889 vol 339 c1652
MR. FLYNN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the reports of a trial at Fermoy Sessions on the 11th instant, under a Statute of Edward III., from which it appears that Police Sergeant Dallas stated in evidence that he was a detective cattle buyer, and that he was buying cattle in the discharge of his duty; is it compatible with Constabulary duty that policemen should buy or deal in cattle; and, whether such duties are imposed by the Government?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It is the case that the sergeant was employed as a cattle dealer with a view to detect persons engaged in an unlawful attempt to prevent the sale of cattle belonging to boycotted persons or raised on evicted farms. It is the duty of the Constabulary to take all proper and necessary steps for the detection of unlawful acts.

MR. FLYNN

In the event of a constable buying cattle, out of what public fund does the money come?

[No answer.]

MR. MACNEILL

Is it not one of the rules in the Constabulary that no Member of the Force shall engage in trade?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am not aware whether it is a rule or not; but if it is it was not broken on this occasion.