§ MAJOR JAMESON (Clare, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland is he aware that Michael M'Mahon, of Loop Head, his wife, and eight children were evicted on the 14th July, and his house rased to the ground, also that Matt Fennell, of Kilbalgowen, with his eight children, was evicted on the 15th July and his house rased to the ground; and can he take steps to stop evictions in this part of Clare, where distress is greater than in any other part of Ireland, and to prevent the eviction of people who for months past have been in receipt of relief?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have no information as to the evictions mentioned in the Question, or as to the circumstances under which they were carried out. The honourable Member must be perfectly aware that I have no power to stop evictions in this part of Clare, or, indeed, in any other locality.
§ MAJOR JAMESONIs the right honourable Gentleman aware that there are a large number of people in this distressed district either evicted or threatened with eviction? Will he take steps to stop the evictions?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI will take no such steps. Nor do I believe the facts are as stated.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWill the right honourable Gentleman instruct the constabulary not to assist in the demolition of houses?
§ [No Reply.]
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI press for an answer, "Yes" or "No."
§ MR. SPEAKERThat is not the Question on the Paper. The honourable Member must give notice.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI will give him a bad quarter of an hour.