HC Deb 07 August 1890 vol 348 cc104-6
MR. SEXTON

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland what was the legal character of the seizure of boats belonging to fishermen of the Blasket Islands by the party conveyed from the mainland in the gunboat Britomart?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN, Dublin University)

The legality of the seizure would depend upon the facts of the case, in regard to which I can give no opinion,

MR. SEXTON

Before the Irish Government made a requisition for a Queen's ship to make a seizure of this kind did they take any steps to ascertain whether the seizure was legal, because there is at this moment a Statute in existence protecting implements of trade from seizure. It is too late to go back upon the incident which has already occurred, but I want to know if the Government will ever again consent to ask for a Queen's ship for the purpose of making a seizure of this kind?

MR. MADDEN

The Government could not possibly have any knowledge at the time they sanctioned the use of the ship of the character of the seizure. If there has been any illegal act the persons aggrieved have their remedy.

MR. SEXTON

That would mean these poor fishermen?

MR. MADDEN

Yes; any person whose goods have been illegally seized would have a remedy at law.

MR. SEXTON

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the gunboat Britomart was recently employed to convey the agents and servants of an Irish landlord to and from the Blasket Islands, and to bring away from the islands certain boats, the property of fishermen there, which had been seized in satisfaction for rent; and whether such use of a Queen's ship is sanctioned?

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. FORWOOD, Lancashire, Ormskirk)

The First Lord of the Admiralty is aware that the Britomart was recently employed in conveying the officers of the civil power holding writs from the Court of Queen's Bench against the tenants of Blasket Islands, who, as I am informed, are occupied as farmers as well as fishermen. The Sheriff applied for the use of the gunboat in the absence of any other means of communication, and it was sanctioned. The boats were, it is understood, seized by the Sheriff's officers for the six years' rent due, as being more readily moved from the island than cattle, and more easily returned to the owners in the event of a settlement. A settlement has since been made, and the boats returned to the owners. They were towed away from the island by the gunboat, at the request of the Sheriff's officers in whose charge they were.

MR. SEXTON

The hon. Gentleman has not replied to my question, but has simply given a narrative of the facts. I want to know whether the agents and servants of an Irish landlord were conveyed to and from the Blasket Island in one of Her Majesty's ships, and whether the use of a Queen's ship for such a purpose is sanctioned by the Admiralty?

MR. FORWOOD

I believe that the persons who were engaged in the execution of a decree were conveyed to and from the Blasket Island by the Britomart, and that she towed the boats from the island.

MR. SEXTON

Is there any precedent for such a use of a Queen's ship?

MR. FORWOOD

If the hon. Member will give notice of the question I will have inquiries made.

MR. E. HARRINGTON (Kerry, W.)

Is it not the fact that the nets of these poor fishermen were taken on board the gunboat, and that the sailors admitted that the task allotted to them was a very disagreeable one?

MR. FORWOOD

If the hon. Member desires, I will make further inquiry.