HC Deb 16 June 1904 vol 136 cc280-1
MR. MURPHY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at the eviction of Mr. Loughlin, district councillor, and his brother at Cordal, Castleisland, county Kerry, last week, by the sheriff of the county, the assistance of the police was given; and, if so, whether he will take steps, in the interests of peace and order, to prevent their employment at such evictions in the future.

MR. WYNDHAM

The sheriff is by law entitled to demand and to receive the assistance of the police in the discharge of his duty in executing writs of His Majesty's Court of Justice. I have no power to take the course suggested.

MR. MURPHY

Is it not the fact that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Bristol when Chief Secretary for Ireland refused the assistance of the police in these cases?

MR. WYNDHAM

The sheriff has an absolute right to ask it.