§ SIR CHARLES LEWIS (Antrim, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has seen and tested the accuracy of the report circulated by the Central News Agency that within the last few days some bailiffs, in endeavouring to execute a distress for tithe in Pembrokeshire, were mobbed and hunted by two dogs and thus pursued until they promised never again to attempt the execution of any such process; whether the Government will use every effort to bring the ringleaders to justice and punishment; and, whether the Government will take the necessary steps to protect during the coming months those who have legal process to enforce in the disturbed districts in Wales?
§ MR. MATTHEWSYes, Sir; I have seen the report in question, and I am informed by the Chief Constable that it is the fact that some bailiffs were by menace compelled to leave the locality where they were executing a writ issued 120 upon a judgment of the Superior Court, and to sign a paper that they would not return there or ever execute a warrant pertaining to tithe. It has not been reported to the Chief Constable that they were hunted with dogs or subjected to violence. The bailiffs state that they cannot identify their assailants; but diligent inquiry is being made, and no effort will be spared to bring the offenders to justice. It is the duty of the Local Authorities to preserve the peace and to see that the execution of the law is not interfered with, and the Government will assuredly do all in its power to assist the Local Authorities in the performance of that duty.