HC Deb 18 May 1896 vol 40 c1565
MR. MACALEESE

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can see his way to issue instructions to the Royal Irish Constabulary not to attend at any execution of a decree for any Irish loan society unless where an information has been sworn by some responsible person that reasonable grounds exist to apprehend a breach of the peace?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

No, Sir; the Executive Government cannot issue any instructions of the nature suggested. The police have certain duties imposed upon them by law in the execution of the warrants, and the Government cannot take it upon itself to abrogate these duties.