§ MR. E. HARRINGTON (Kerry, W.)I desire to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any official Report as to the cruise of Her Majesty's ship Britomart, which was referred to in yesterday's newspapers. It was stated that at an early hour on Tuesday morning the inhabitants on Great Blasket Island, 10 miles to the west of the Dingle Promontory, were surprised to see Her Majesty's gunboat Britomart in their waters. The vessel had on board the Sub-Sheriff of Kerry, a number of Bailiffs, 100 police under County Inspector Lop-nell, Mr. Cecil Roche, R.M., being in supreme command. The object of the invasion was to make seizures in satisfaction of rent due to the Earl of Cork and Orrery. It seems that a number of fishing boats were seized, amongst the number being one belonging to the opposite shore, which had been used for the purpose of bringing a clergyman to the island. Were these boats taken on board the Britomart, and is it the intention of the Admiralty to continue this practice of lending Her Majesty's ships of war for passenger boats to convey, not merely troops, but a Sub-Sheriff, Bailiffs, and police. I would also ask whether, in answer to a question of mine, the Government did not refuse to the fishermen at this very place?
§ * MR. SPEAKERI think the hon. Gentleman ought to give notice of that question. It is a complicated and somewhat argumentative question.
§ MR. E. HARRINGTONThen I would merely ask whether the Admiralty has received any report as to the cruise of the Britomart?
§ LORD G. HAMILTONNot that I am aware of.