§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a boycott has been instituted against the tenants of the Crannagh farm, in county Mayo, who have refused to give up their holdings at the bidding of the United Irish League; whether these persons are refused the necessaries of life by shopkeepers, prevented by crowds from working upon the holdings for which they are paying rent, and have been prevented from attending Mass at the Ardagh Roman Catholic Church; and what steps have been taken to protect these persons in the exercise of their lawful rights.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe police authorities inform me that the persons in question have not been boycotted or prevented from working upon their holdings. It is, however, the fact that public feeling has been manifested against them, and the police are informed that on one occasion three of the tenants were prevented from attending Mass. The police have afforded full protection to the persons concerned, five men being employed on the duty. A police hut is in course of erection at the spot.
§ MR. LONSDALEHas the right hon. Gentleman any information that twelve tenants under stress of the boycott have served notice to surrender their holdings, and that at a meeting held on Easter
† See (4) Debates, clxx., 648.227 Sunday it was decided to pursue the campaign of boycotting until the remaining tenants are forced into submission?
§ MR. BIRRELLI have no information as to that.
§ MR. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry?
§ MR. BIRRELLYes.