§ MR. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN (Kent, Tunbridge)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether is aware that there are still over 100 orders of the Newcastle Emlyn County Court, for the collection of tithe rent-charge, in the neighbourhood of Pembryn, Cardiganshire, unexecuted; and that an attempt was made last week by the bailiff, but failed owing to the inadequacy of the police protection afforded and the threatening attitude of the crowd; whether he has received and sent any reply to the following telegram from the bailiff:—
Started with five policemen to meet Chief Constable of Cardiganshire to execute order of Court. He had promised additional force, but provided only one more constable. Returned home as protection inadequate. Twelve anti-tithers on horseback met us at starting point;and whether he intends to take any steps to compel the Local Authorities to carry out the law?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. ASQUITH, Fife, E.)I am aware that many orders for the collection of the tithe rent-charge referred to in the question are unexecuted, but I cannot state the actual number. The accounts which I have received as to the attempt of the bailiff to enforce one of these orders are very conflicting. The bailiff himself states that he was unable to execute the order as the protection was inadequate. On the other hand, I am informed, both by the Chief Constable and by the Chairman of the Standing Joint Committee, speaking from personal observation, that no hostility was displayed; that there was no crowd, only 11 farmers on horseback; that no threats were used, and that the police force was adequate if the bailiff had proceeded with the levy. No answer has been sent to the telegram from the bailiff, but the Local Authorities will be reminded that it is their duty to carry out the law and to afford adequate protection.