§ MR. SHEEHAN (Cork County, Mid.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a force of police, to the number of fifty or thereabouts, was 1618 drafted into Knocklong, County Limerick, on Sunday last; will he state the reason for their presence on this occasion, and what was the special duty they were deputed to perform; and whether the ratepayers will be called upon to bear the expense incurred in this connection.
§ MR. CHERRYThe police authorities found it necessary to assemble a force of twenty-seven men at Knocklong on Sunday last in order to provide for the preservation of the peace. There was some reason to apprehend that a breach of the peace would be attempted, but I am glad to learn that nothing of the kind occurred. The police belonged to the county force, and no charge therefore will fall on local authorities.
§ MR. SHEEHANWhy was a breach of the peace anticipated?
§ MR. JAMES CAMPBELL (Dublin University)asked the reason for the presence of the police.
§ MR. CHERRYThe police were under a misapprehension. They thought there were grounds for anticipating a breach of the peace. I do not think it wise to state the grounds.
§ MR. T. L. CORBETT (Down, N.)Is this the county the right hon. Gentleman described as being in a fairly peaceable condition?
§ MR. CHERRYYes, Sir.
§ MR. T. L. CORBETTThat is a very good comment on the answer.