§ MR. DANE (Fermanagh, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a report in the Irish Catholic of the 8th April, of a committee 758 meeting of "The Irish National Federation," held at Rochfort Bridge, County Westmeath, on Sunday, the 2nd April, presided over by the Very Rev. P. Fagan, P.P., V.F., to receive complaints and explanations concerning the conduct of residents in the districts respecting the taking by such persons of vacant farms from which it appears that, after discussion, the committee decided upon "taking into consideration the state of affairs in the district"; and what steps the Irish Government have taken to ensure freedom of contract and protection for the law-abiding residents in the Rochfort Bridge District and the district of Medina adjoining?
§ *THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. MORLEY,) Newcastle-upon-TyneI have seen the report referred to. The police were not present at the meeting, and no complaints have been made to them by the persons mentioned as to any injurious effects resulting from the meeting. I may add, however, that the police will continue to give the matter their attention.