§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, having regard to the fact that the giving of aid to Irish 1123 sheriffs in the event of evictions does not come within the sphere of the ordinary duty of the officers and men of the Royal Navy, due notice will be given to persons desirous of joining the Royal Navy of their liability to be ordered to assist Irish sheriffs and police in the forcible ejectments from their homes of men, women, and children.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. PRETYMAN,) Suffolk, Wood-bridgeThe duty of the officers and men of the Royal Navy to aid the sheriff in the execution of the King's writ, when called upon by him so to do, is one which falls upon them in common with all other citizens. Their service in the Navy does not impose that duty upon them, nor can it free them from it. The reply is therefore in the negative.
§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain the views of the Navy with regard to assisting at Irish evictions?
§ MR. PRETYMANNo, Sir.