§ MR. FLYNN (Cork Co., N.E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the recent series of evictions at Bodyke, County Clare; whether he is aware that the rents in all cases were largely in excess of the Poor Law valuation, and that the tenants complained of being unable to pay the rents owing to the refusal of the landlord to continue the reductions which were allowed from 1888 to 1891, and the continuance of the low prices I of agricultural produce; is it a fact that the Sub-Sheriff and his party of bailiffs were accompanied by a body of 1702 more than 100 armed policemen under the command of four police officers; and, if so, why was this large force of constabulary drafted into the district; and whether the Irish Government have the power to charge private individuals a certain sum per head for the services of constables when requisitioned in large numbers, as is done by the authorities in London and other parts of Great Britain; and, if they had not such power, will he consider the propriety of introducing legislation with a view to acquire it?
MR. J. MORLEYIn the nine cases in which ejectment proceedings were recently taken on this estate the rents were, as stated, largely in excess of the Poor Law valuations. As regards the inability of the tenants to pay rent, it appears that from 1887 to 1891 they were allowed abatements ranging from 25 to 32½ per cent. on their judicial rents, and that in 1892 these abatements were refused, the landlord demanding from all tenants the judicial rents. The Sub-Sheriff was protected by a force consisting of four officers and 100 men; this large force was considered by the local responsible authorities to be absolutely necessary for the preservation of the peace. It was supplied entirely from the county, and no charge will therefore fall on the country in respect of its employment. The police are required to afford protection to the Sheriff and others in the execution of the law, and neither in this country nor in Ireland is there any means of charging the cost of the police so employed to an individual or individuals as suggested.
§ MR. MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on this notorious estate abatements of rent were refused immediately after the last General Election, although they had been allowed for three years previously?