MR. PLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in reference to the prosecution of Patrick Keefe, William Kent, Thomas Kent, George Mulcahy, John Tuohy, Pat Walsh, John Donovan, and James Donovan, of Coolagowan, Cork, on a charge of boycotting, whether he is aware that a large number of prosecutions and imprisonments (including that of Father O'Dwyer and a number of respectable farmers in the locality) have already taken place in connection with charges arising out of the alleged taking of this same farm at Towermore; and whether it is open to Mr. Robert Browne, the present holder of this farm, to bring these prosecutions under the Criminal Law and Procedure Act; and, if so, why have the Local Constabulary Authorities gone to the expense and trouble of instituting this large number of prosecutions when it lay within the power of the private individual concerned to move in the matter?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI understand that there were three previous prosecutions in connection with offences committed in consequence of the farm having been taken by a new tenant. The boycotting conspiracy in this case was so determined, and its results were so serious, as to affect in a most prejudicial manner the peace of the whole district, and was carried on so generally as to be even introduced into the Roman Catholic Chapel, where, for over two months, the most disgraceful scenes were enacted Sunday after Sunday. It is open to any person to prosecute for any offence committed against himself. But in prosecutions for criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and all prosecutions where the general public peace is involved, the prosecutions are invariably instituted by the Crown.
§ MR. FLYNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that more than 20 persons, including a Roman Catholic priest, have suffered terms of imprison- 1494 ment for refusing to work with or deal with particular individuals?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI must ask for notice of that question.