HC Deb 16 June 1890 vol 345 c1018
MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is true, as reported in the Cork papers, that summonses were last week issued at the prosecution of District Inspector Ball, Fermoy (County Cork), against Patrick Keefe, Thomas Kent, William Kent, George Mulcahy, John Fuohy, Patrick Walsh, John Donovan, and James Donovan; if he can state whether these prosecutions are brought with the approval or sanction of the Irish Law Officers; and whether ho is aware that of the above named defendants two of them, namely, Thomas and William Kent, are at present confined in Cork Gaol for offences arising out of the alleged boycotting of a farm in connection with which these summonses are now issued?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I under stand that the legal proceedings referred to are still pending. It would therefore not be proper for me to make a statement on the subject.

MR. FLYNN

Why did the police institute these prosecutions instead of the owner of the farm who was entitled to do so?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have no in formation on that subject. If the hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper I will ascertain.