HC Deb 10 July 1893 vol 14 cc1154-6
SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the persecution of Mrs. Elizabeth Gladstone of County Limerick, who has been boycotted, refused the payment of her rents, and robbed of her property; whether his attention has been called to the following facts, as set forth by Mrs. Gladstone in a letter to the Prime Minister asking for protection:—that last autumn hay to the value of £250 was forcibly carried away in carts from her property; that she has now about 150 tons of grass for hay standing—the hay would now be worth nearly £1,000; and that the farm is boycotted and no one dares purchase or remove the hay; and whether the Government will take such steps as will enable Mrs. Gladstone to sell or remove her hay without danger to herself or those who may be employed by her?

MR. J. MORLEY

My attention has been drawn to the complaints made by this lady, who, I believe, resides in London, regarding her property in the County Limerick. Careful inquiry has been made into the matter, and I am informed by the District Inspector that except in one case—that of a tenant named Noonan, who was evicted in February last—Mrs. Gladstone's relations with her tenants are good, and that she has not, to the knowledge or belief of the police, been refused her rents or robbed of her property as alleged. There are two caretakers on this evicted farm; they have not been interfered with in any way, and obtain provisions or anything they may require in the nearest village. With regard to the alleged forcible carrying away of hay from her property last autumn, it appears that in August, 1892, Noonan, on whom an ejectment notice had then been served, but who was not evicted until February last, cut and removed the hay and other crops standing on his holding, and for this Mrs. Gladstone had Noonan and his son arrested on warrant; but nothing came of the proceedings, and her claim for compensation was rejected both at Presentment Sessions and at Assizes. The police state that there are about 50, and not 150, tons of grass for hay on the evicted farm, and that they have no reason to think that the lady will be prevented from saving the hay crop, or that there will be any interference with the persons whom she may employ in cutting and removing it.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the facts set forth in the question were stated by the lady in letters addressed to the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary?

MR. J. MORLEY

Yes; and it was in consequence of that communication that inquiries were addressed to the police. I have given the hon. Gentleman the reply.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that this lady will have protection afforded her in removing the hay now standing?

MR. J. MORLEY

Of course, if any representations are made to the police authorities that protection is really needed it will undoubtedly be afforded.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Is it in Order to assert in a question as a matter of fact that this lady has been boycotted and refused payment of her rents? Should not those things be put in an interrogatory form?

MR. SPEAKER

I suppose the hon. Gentleman who put the question made himself responsible for the facts. It is for the Minister who replies to correct them if they are not true.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

I took every one of these facts from a copy of the letter written by the lady herself to the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary. I was asked by her friends to bring the question before the House.

MR. J. MORLEY

And every reply I have made to the allegations is made on behalf of the responsible authorities.