HC Deb 12 June 1907 vol 175 cc1424-5
MR. LONSDALE

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the remark of Judge Wakeley, at Boyle quarter sessions on 5th June, that the present condition of county Roscommon was deplorable and not what one would expect to find in a civilised country; and what means he intends to take to re-establish peace and tranquility in this disturbed area.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

May I at the same time ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the statement of His Honour Judge Wakeley, at Boyle quarter sessions, on the 4th June last, that the present condition of the county of Roscommon was deplorable, and not what one would expect to find in a civilised country; what action, if any, the Government intend to take; and if this county is now in a peaceful condition.

MR. BIRRELL

I have read a newspaper report of the learned Judge's remarks which seem to have had reference to cases of driving cattle off grazing farms in county Roscommon. In all such cases, in which evidence has been forthcoming, the ringleaders have been prosecuted. The police force of the county has been strengthened by the addition of 135 men, and is now regarded as adequate. This Answer applies to the Question of the hon. Member for East Down.

MR. MOORE

In how many cases have there been prosecutions of ring-leaders?

MR. BIRRELL

I must ask for notice of that Question.