HC Deb 05 June 1907 vol 175 cc689-90
Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the evidence given by a police sergeant during the hearing of a charge at Loughrea, on 16th May, of intimidation against graziers, in which he stated that some of the prisoners, on being arrested, said they had a perfect right to act as they had, as they had the Government at their back; and what † See(4) Debates, clxxiv., 790–800. steps he intends to take to remove this idea.

Mr. BIRRELL

I am informed that in the case referred to a police sergeant gave evidence that when the offence was being committed a man in the crowd made a remark to the effect stated in the Question. The fact that prosecutions have been instituted in this and similar cases seems to supply a sufficient answer to the latter part of the Question.

Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the feeling that the Government is in sympathy with these cattle raiding operations is rapidly growing?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am not aware of anything of the kind.

Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

Allow me to inform the right hon. Gentleman that it is the case.