HC Deb 23 May 1905 vol 146 cc1130-1
MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that, during the year 1904, a total of 206 agrarian outrages were reported to the Inspector-General of Constabulary in Ireland, including twenty-eight incendiary fires; eleven killing, cutting, or maiming cattle; 124 cases of intimidation; thirteen injury to property; twelve firing into dwellings; and that in 188 cases offenders were neither convicted nor made amenable; can he explain why such a large proportion of offenders escaped the consequences of their acts; and whether he will take steps to strengthen the powers of the constabulary in discovering the perpetrators of these outrages, and bringing them to justice.

MR. WALTER LONG

My hon. friend has correctly stated the facts, which are set out in the Return of Agrarian Offences recently presented to Parliament. The immunity from punishment of so many of the offenders arises to some extent from the fact that many of the offences are committed under the cover of darkness, and that in cases of threatening letters and notices it is difficult to prove the handwriting of the offender. I think, however, that the chief cause of this immunity is an unfortunate and unwise reluctance on the part of the victims of intimidation to come forward and give evidence against the guilty persons. It is quite obvious that constabulary action alone cannot completely overcome these difficulties, but if the sufferers would only seek the protection of the law, and if those members of the community who are entitled to share in the administration of justice would do their duty, I believe that disorder would be effectually grappled with. There is no ground for any imputation against the constabulary.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

In how many of the cases of alleged intimidation did the people send the intimidatory notices to themselves?

MR. KILBRIDE

Seeing that there are 188 cases In which no one has been made amenable, can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the offences wore committed by the police themselves?

MR. WALTER LONG

None.

MR. DILLON

Was any person injured in any of these manufactured outrages?

MR. MACVEAGH

How many of the cases of cattle-maiming and killing were the work of Sergeant Sheridan?

MR. MALCOLM (Suffolk, Stowmarket)

Does the right, hon. Gentleman contemplate any further reduction of the Royal Irish Constabulary.