MR. MAC NEILLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is true, as stated in the Irish Times of 20th February, that evictions on a large scale are to be carried out next Tuesday in the districts 1026 of Gweedore and Falcarragh; and is the battering ram to be employed in the carrying out of these evictions, and is it to be worked, as in January and April last, by the Royal Irish Constabulary?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI understand that there are evictions impending in the districts named; but there is no official information as to its being arranged to carry them out on Tuesday next. As a matter of fact, the ram was not used by the constabulary at the evictions in January and April last, and I am not aware that it is to be used at the pending evictions.
MR. MAC NEILLIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that I myself, in company with others, saw the battering ram at the police barracks at Falcarragh, and that it was exercised at Gweedore by a detachment of constabulary?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have not followed the hon. Gentleman's proceedings in the public Press or elsewhere. But what he has now stated to the House is not inconsistent with the fact that the battering ram was not used.
MR. MAC NEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this instrument has been paid for by the landlords, and may be used by the constabulary if brought to the scene of the evictions?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have no information.