§ MR. A. O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that in many places in Ireland the collectors of county cess, and bailiffs who make seizures in respect of the same, are in the habit of requiring innkeepers to receive distrained cattle and other seizures on their licensed premises; and whether it is compulsory upon innkeepers to receive such seizures; and, if so, under what law?
MR. J. MORLEYI am informed that the practice referred to does exist in some places in the North of Ireland, but that in other parts of Ireland the practice does not prevail. It is not, I am advised, compulsory on innkeepers to receive such seizures, as by the Act 14 & 15 Vict., cap. 92, it is provided that except for distress for rent no animal can be impounded in any other place than the nearest licensed pound of the county, un- 1142 less where an assault shall be threatened or a rescue anticipated, and that it be necessary to put the animal into a place for its safe detention and for the safety of the person in whose custody it is.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORHas the right hon. Gentleman any means of communicating with the County Authorities? Is it not a fact that the solicitors to the County Authority of Donegal have threatened innkeepers with opposition to their licences at the next Sessions?
MR. J. MORLEYDonegal is, I am told, one of the counties in which the practice prevails. I will certainly make inquiry.