§ MR. KILBRIDE (Kildare. S.)On behalf the hon. Member for East Galway, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state at whose request the police accompanied strangers on the lands of Derrygoolan in 1902 and 1903 when these strangers were attempting to shoot over the tenants' farms, held from year to year for a great number of years; and if these tenants requisition the services of the police on the 12th August next to assist them in preventing persons shooting their game without permission their request will be complied with, and a sufficient police force be supplied to prevent a breach of the law.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe police, so far as I am aware, received no request and no orders to attend. They had reason to apprehend a breach of the peace and attended to prevent serious violence. It is their duty to prevent violence; but not to prejudice the case of either of the parties claiming the same right. Such claims can Only be determined by process of law, that is by one or other of the parties suing either for trespass or for technical assault.
§ MR. KILBRIDEThe right hon. Gentleman must be aware that in the case of a tenant from year to year he has as much right to the game as any landlord in this House has to the game on his estate.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe whole thing depends on the nature of the occupation, and that can only be determined in a Court of Law.
§ MR. KILBRIDEDoes the right hon. Gentleman deny that they are tenants from year to year?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)How was it the police attended without a request.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThey apprehended that there was going to be a row.