CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will say why a police hut for the accommodation of ten men of the Royal Irish Constabulary is in course of erection on a farm in the occupation of a man named Keane, being a portion of Crannagh Farm, Ardagh, in North Mayo.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe police hut in question has been erected on the portion of the Crannagh farm which has been taken on lease by John Haire (not Keane). The hut has been built because the police authorities consider it necessary to afford protection to Haire, and the place is remote from a police station. The hut is occupied by five men.
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)Why is it considered necessary to afford this protection; against what sort of injury is the police hut to protect?
§ MR. BIRRELLFirst I am asked if protection will be given, and then I am asked why.
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGYes, I want to know why it is considered necessary.
§ MR. BIRRELLThen I can only repeat the Answer to the original Question. The police authorities tell me the person in question has not been boycotted, but there has been some provocation.