§ MR. SEXTON (Kerry, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether a steamer was used to convey the police to the scene of the evictions on the Arran Islands; and if he could state how the bailiffs were conveyed?
MR. CHAINING (Northampton, E.)At the same time, I will ask the right hon Gentleman the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the evidence given by witnesses before the Cowper Commission as to the Islands of Arran, from which it appears that there is no natural soil on these Islands, but that the crops are grown on soil artificially created by the labour of the Islanders out of sand, seaweed, and decayed ferns placed in layers on the bare rock and surrounded by walls to prevent it from being blown away; also that in dry seasons, such as that of 1893, there is a complete failure of crops and imminent risk of starvation; and whether, having regard to the fact that the soil of the Island is wholly the result of the labour of the tenants themselves, and to the failure of the crops in the past year, he will either refuse the aid of the constabulary in the carrying out of the evictions now in progress, or will at any rate make representations to the owners and their agents with a view of stopping the eviction of the tenants under these circumstances?
MR. J. MORLEYThe police were conveyed on this duty to the Arran Islands in the steamer belonging to the Galway Steamboat Company, which visits the islands three times a week. The Sheriff', bailiff's, and the agent were conveyed by the same steamer. I am aware that evidence to the effect mentioned in the first part of the question of the hon. Member for Northampton was given before the Cowper Commission, which reported in February, 1887. Decrees of ejectment having been obtained by the landlord and placed in the hands of the Sheriff of the County of Galway for execution, the Government had no discretion in the matter, but were bound to afford adequate protection and the assistance of the constabulary in the execution 1512 of the decrees. It was decided last year by the Court of Queen's Bench in Ireland, from which decision it was hold by the Court of Appeal that no appeal lay, that the Government were under absolute obligation to afford protection and assistance to the Sheriff, not only in the execution of decrees of ejectment by daytime but also in the case of night seizures under writs of the superior Courts, and that the executive officer refusing such assistance is liable to attachment and indictment. Informal communications did pass between the Divisional Commissioner and the agent as to these evictions, but the determination of the landlord to proceed was not shaken.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the amount for which the processes of ejectment were issued?
§ MR. CHANNINGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether in the informal communication addressed to the owners or agents their attention was drawn to the character of these holdings, which is quite unique; and whether they were informed of the gross hardship and the barbarity of these evictions?
§ MR. SEXTONasked whether, as the evictions were going on from day to day, any shelter had been provided for the people, a great many families having been rendered homeless; and whether the Inspector had returned to the islands from Galway. If so, would his Report be laid on the Table?
MR. J. MORLEYI have not yet had time to receive a Report. The Inspector reached the north island last night at 9 o'clock, and he telegraphs that the relieving officer is providing temporary relief to the evicted families which are considered destitute. Instructions have been given to provide temporary shelter, and on no account to allow the people to be exposed out of doors at night. No evictions have yet taken place on the south island, and this morning the sea was too rough to permit of communication with the island.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLBearing in mind the condition of these people, will the Chief Secretary see that relief is brought to these people?
MR. J. MORLEYI have just stated that. Three weeks ago I sent an Inspector down to see that no persons suffered hardship. The Inspector will have power to see that the relieving officer does all that is required.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLI meant to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman intends to take any steps to improve the condition of these people, or whether this is to go on for ever?
MR. J. MORLEYI do not think the reception which Government proposals meet with encourages them to make fresh efforts.
§ MR. SEXTONWill there he some relaxation of the ordinary outdoor relief?
MR. J. MORLEYI can only repeat that the Inspector has been instructed to see that no hardships take place.
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)May I ask whether Lord Carnarvon, who visited these Islands in 1885, left any record of any remonstrance addressed to these landladies?