§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has made any progress in the preparation of the Return concerning alleged illegal seizures by Irish Sheriffs, and when the result will be communicated to the House?
MR. J. MORLEYI understand that the figures relating to seizures or attempted seizures by night under Civil Bill Decrees were obtained by a reference to the police diaries, patrol-hooks, and other official records. It appears, however, that in some cases writs of the Superior Courts were included, and in other instances eases where the protection by night was requisitioned for without reference to the hours at which the seizures were to be actually effected. The figures I gave the other night, therefore, prove to be over-statements, and I can only express toy regret that I was led to make that over-statement. The broad fact, however, I am informed, remains that, during the period named by me, Civil Bill Decrees were executed or attempted to be executed by sheriffs' bailiff's or special bailiffs between sunset and sunrise, and that police protection was afforded for that purpose. I cannot undertake to lay a Return upon the Table which might be used for proceedings outside this House. But I have directed a detailed statement of cases from each county named to be prepared. On its receipt I shall be happy to communicate with the hon. Member with a view to his inspecting the statement, for the satisfaction of himself and other hon. Members, should he so desire.
§ MR. CARSON (Dublin University)Can the right hon. Gentleman name any one case in which this illegal seizure took place?
MR. J. MORLEYI have not got the details by me now, but there are, I believe, a number of cases in the office which are open to the inspection of the hon. Gentleman.
§ MR. DANE (Fermanagh, N.)May I ask what were the other sources from which the right hon. Gentleman obtained his information?
MR. J. MORLEYI got the information front a condensed Return. I am in- 1570 formed that that Return was made up from police diaries, patrol-books, and other official records.
§ [No answer was given.]