HC Deb 21 September 1893 vol 17 cc1792-3
MR. KILBRIDE (Kerry, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary a question of which I have given him private notice. It is: whether his attention has been directed to the circumstances in connection with the eviction of Thomas Tynan, of Castletown; whether it is a fact that Joseph Cuffe, salesman, obtained a writ for possession in July, 1892, and that the full amount of that debt was paid on the 8th December and a receipt given to the tenant; whether these facts were explained to the Sheriff before he carried out the evictions; whether the police acted as bailiffs and hunted the tenants' cattle off the field; and whether the right hon. Gentleman can explain under what authority the Sheriff so acted, and also by whose authority the police acted as bailiffs?

MR. J. MORLEY

I think the hon. Member gave me notice of this question last night, and I have directed inquiry to be made. He will see that I could not be able to answer so many minute points of detail without adequate notice, but I will inquire into the matter.

MR. SEXTON (Kerry, N.)

I wish to ask the Chief Secretary this question: If it should turn out that the debt had been paid before the Sheriff came, will the Executive Government see that the cattle, which are the property of the tenant, are returned if there was no legal debt due for them?

MR. J. MORLEY

Of course, my hon. Friend will see that this is a matter which, for all I know, raises points of legal difficulty. I shall be in Ireland to-morrow, and I will make inquiries.