§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to a joint statement by six grazing farmers that, in compliance with the wishes of the several branches of the United Irish League in the neighbourhood, they had withdrawn their cattle from the ranches in the district: and whether, in view of the fact that the law of the land has been to a large extent supplanted by the law of the United Irish League in this particular district, 110 he will take more energetic steps than he has done in the past to prevent persons being coerced from doing what they have a legal right to do.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe police authorities inform me that a letter to the effect stated, purporting to be signed by six persons at Mohill, has appeared in a Roscommon newspaper. The police have no evidence that these persons have been intimidated or coerced into surrendering their grazing farms. I have repeatedly stated that the police have given, and will continue to give, all possible protection to the holders of grazing farms and all other persons in the exercise of their legal rights.
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGasked the right hon. Gentleman whether there was any cause for the surrender of farms in the west of Ireland except the intimidation of the United Irish League.
§ MR. BIRRELLThere may be a desire to promote the peace of the country.
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGIf that is a sample—
§ *THE SPEAKEROrder, order. The hon. Member is not entitled to argue an Answer, He can only ask for information.