HC Deb 22 July 1901 vol 97 cc1127-8
MR. O'DOWD

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in view of the fact that there are already three permanent police stations within a radius of two and a half miles of Leitrim Farm, in Sligo county, where iron huts are now being erected, and, seeing that these are sufficient to afford protection to one individual, whether he will undertake that unnecessary cost be not inflicted on the ratepayers of that district by the erection of the iron huts referred to.

MR. WYNDHAM

Protection will be given from the four new police stations in the district of Achonry to any individual who may be threatened or molested in the pursuit of his legitimate occupation. The circumstances leading up to the formation of these stations are well known. No unnecessary cost will be imposed upon the ratepayers by the employment of a force of extra police, but a moiety of the expenses incurred will be levied off the district so long as it may be found requisite to retain this additional force.

MR. O'DOWD

Is it not the fact that there are already sufficient police there for protection purposes?

MR. FLYNN

If the county council refuse to pay for the extra police on the ground of their being unnecessary, what course will the Irish Government take in the matter?

MR. WYNDHAM

I decline to answer so hypothetical and, I trust, so remote a question.

MR. O'DOWD

Are the huts erected for the protection of more than one person?

MR. WYNDHAM

They are for the protection of any person who may require it.

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in consequence of the small amount of duty these police perform they—

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!