§ VISCOUNT TURNOUR (Sussex, Horsham)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he has official information to the effect that Mr. Payne, of Fohenagh, dare not walk outside his own residence without an escort of police; whether he is aware that Mr. Payne was attacked last week by a crowd of young men and women; that be is refused provisions in all the surrounding towns; and that his workmen refuse to work for him; and whether, in view of this evidence of the existence of a conspiracy against Mr. Payne, what steps does His Majesty's Government intend to take to vindicate the law of conspiracy and the liberty of the subject in Ireland.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) It has been found necessary to afford police protection to Mr. Payne when he goes to his grazing farm at Fohenagh, but it is not the case 211 that he dare not leave his residence with- out protection. On the 10th instant Mr. Payne was groaned at by some women and boys, but was not personally attacked. The police at once suppressed the disorder. Mr. Payne has been refused supplies in two shops. Four men who occasionally work for him have lately declined to do so, but he has got the work done other wise. There is no evidence which would justify a prosecution for conspiracy in this case. The law is being enforced whenever evidence is available, and full protection is given to Mr. Payne's person and property.