§ MR. HORACE PLUNKETTI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Atlantic Cable was cut near Ballycarbery, County Kerry, the week before last, the only possible motive being a dispute between the Company and a tenant, through whose land the cable goes; whether he is aware that 1746 the said tenant demanded and received a sum of £20 before he would allow the Company's men to repair the cable; and whether, considering the great inconvenience caused to the public by such acts, he will take steps to see that their recurrence is prevented?
*MR. J. MORLEYThe facts mentioned in the first paragraph are substantially correct. It appears that a sum of £25 was paid to the tenant on behalf of the Company in settlement of his claim. I am not quite sure to what extent the Government has either power or duty in a matter of this kind; but it is now under consideration.