HC Deb 13 February 1890 vol 341 cc199-201
MR. O'HEA (Donegal, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether complaints have reached him that Mr. John Slattery, an extensive cattle trader in Cork, has, for a considerable time past, been persistently followed through the various fairs in the South of Ireland to which his business takes him, and his trade transactions pryed into by policemen, and that during the past week policemen have been in the habit of watching his house at night and following him in the daytime through the streets of Cork in so open a manner as to collect large crowds and cause great annoyance at the places where Mr. Slattery has to call; and if there is any reason for this conduct of the police?

MR. LANE (Cork County, E.)

I have also to ask whether complaints have reached him that Mr. John Slattery, President of the Cork Cattle Trade Association, has been followed day and night by policemen for many weeks past, who stand between him and every person he speaks to in the course of his business; that they followed him into church during Divine Service on last Sunday, and disturbed the whole congregation; whether he is aware that the streets of Cork have been blocked several times during the last week by crowds following these policemen and Mr. Slattery; and has Mr. Slattery committed any crime; and, if not, what is the reason for this action on the part of the police?

DR. TANNER (Cork, Mid.)

also put the following question: Whether the Chief Secretary is aware that Mr. John Slattery, the President of the South of Ireland Cattle Trade Association, has been followed for some time past by two armed policemen who, whenever Mr. Slattery converses with friends or acquaintances, immediately come up and remain within earshot; whether it is true that such behaviour on their part, in particular at fairs and markets, has been repeatedly complained of by Mr. Slattery as seriously damaging his business as a cattle dealer; whether it is correct that, although he has asked again and again of the police why he is thus followed, no answer has been vouchsafed; and if he will give some explanation to the House on the matter?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The Constabulary Authorities report that John Slattery is the organisser of the boycotting of the sale of cattle belonging to persons who have rendered themselves obnoxious by taking evicted farms, or belonging to persons who hold communication of any kind with these so-called "land grabbers. To prevent this illegal action, the public have closely watched Slattery. It is not the case that the streets have been several times blocked; but a temporary block did occur on one occasion.

DR. TANNER

What legal evidence has been offered to any Court or given to the public that Mr. Slattery had at any time a cognisance of the boycotting of cattle? Is it not the fact that Mr. Slattery asked again and again, in my presence, what was the reason why the police followed him about? Have the police been told deliberately, wilfully, and wantonly to go up to that gentleman when he has been engaged conversing with ordinary acquaintances in the City of Cork?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

So far as I am aware no orders of the kind indicated by the hon. Member have been given. I am not aware that any legal evidence was required to justify the action of the police.

DR. TANNER

Then may I ask whether this course has been pursued without any legal inquiry having been made, and why the police have refused to give Mr. Slattery any information as to why he has been thus dogged and cruelly persecuted?

MR. P. O'BRIEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of the action of the police? Is he not aware that the Corporation of Cork have instituted proceedings against the police for having blocked the thoroughfares while in the pursuit of Mr. Slattery?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I was not aware of anything of the kind, and I should not have answered the question if I had known that it was sub judice.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of the police entering a church and interrupting divine service in pursuit of Mr. Slattery?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!