§ MR. GILHOOLYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a bailiff on the estate of the Earl of Kenmare, accompanied by two members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, visited the farm of widow Catherine Sullivan, who resides at Lahernsheermeen, near Bautry, and levied a distress warrant purporting to be for one year's rent, including the hanging gale; that it was 1545 subsequently ascertained that the distress warrant was illegal, as only the hanging gale was due; and that in consequence of the illegality the seizure was abandoned; and whether it is the intention of the Government to afford police protection to the bailiffs of landlords who resort to this mode of collecting their rents?
§ MR. ASQUITH (for Mr. J. MORLEY)I am informed that no protection was given by the police in the execution of the warrant referred to. The police were informed that a seizure was proposed to be made, and a breach of the peace being apprehended, a patrol was sent to the place when the seizure was made. The cattle were rescued by the owner's family, but the police did not interfere, as no breach of the peace occurred. The tenant alleges that, a half-year's rent was lodged to the credit of the landlord the day preceding the seizure. The police invariably refuse to give protection to the landlord's bailiffs when distraining for rent.
§ MR. GILHOOLYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Earl of Ken-mere is the only landlord in the South of Ireland who adopts this mode of collecting his rents: and does lie not think, in view of the fact that conduct of this kind has been condemned by Chief Justice Morris and other Judges, that the time has arrived when the Statute giving such power to the landlords should be repealed?
§ MR. ASQUITHI think it would he better if the question were put to the Chief Secretary.