§ 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 on Sunday the 11th February, a mob of 300 persons, headed by Mr. Thomas Smith, J.P., chairman of the Cavan Rural District Council, Mr. Fitzpatrick, D.C., and Joseph Mulligan, an evicted tenant, marched on to the farm of Peter Brady, near Ballyhaise, tore down fences and held a meeting, at which threats were uttered against Brady; what steps have been taken against those who organised these proceedings; and whether it is intended to remove Mr. Thomas Smith from the office of justice of the peace.
§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDY (Cavan, W.)May I ask whether, in view of the fact that these men are at present under-going imprisonment, and the object of the Question is vexatious and aggravating, you, Mr. Speaker, will rule it out of order?
§ * MR. SPEAKERI am afraid I cannot rule a Question out of order because it is aggravating and vexatious. It is open to the Minister to say whether or not he will answer it.
MR. BRYCEThe attention of the Government has been called to this matter by proceedings in the Land Judge's Court which resulted in an order by the learned Judge for the attachment of the persons named in the Question. It has not been considered necessary that proceedings at the instance of the police should be taken in the case. The Lord 1432 Chancellor informs me that the matter referred to has not been brought to his notice.