HC Deb 25 June 1896 vol 42 cc57-8
MR. P. McDERMOTT (Kilkenny, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether he will state the expenses of the police protection (including travelling expenses of the escort and the cost and maintenance of the horses and vehicles) in connection with Mr. E. S. Tener, of Portumna and Loughrea, agent for the Marquess of Clanricarde, in county Galway, since his appointment as agent there, and whether any, and, if so, how much of the entire amount has been charged to the county of Galway; (2) whether he is aware that the Marquess of Clanricarde owns 56,000 acres in county Galway; and, (3) if he will state how much of these expenses has been borne by him?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

The expenses of the special police protection (varying from three to six men), which it has been found necessary to afford to Mr. Tener since his appointment as agent on this estate nine years ago are estimated at £2,960, which sum includes the travelling expenses of the police escort. One-half of this sum, i.e., about £1,480, has been charged to the county. The fact is substantially as stated in the second paragraph. As a cess payer the Marquess of Clanricarde has doubtless borne his share of this charge on the county, and in addition he has provided house accommodation, together with fuel and light for the protection party, as well as forage for the horses.