HC Deb 13 March 1907 vol 171 cc55-6
MR. LONSDALE

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. H. Burns, a grazing tenant on Ryan's estate, county Galway, has received a notice purporting to come from the Mullagh branch of the United Irish League, informing him that he will not be permitted to occupy his farm of Addergoole one moment beyond 1st April, 1907, and that, if he refuses to comply with the mandate of the people of Mullagh, the signatories of this notice will themselves put it into execution; whether the persons signing this threatening letter are known to the police; and what steps are to be taken to prosecute them and protect the tenant.

Mr. BIRRELL

The police authorities inform me that the fact is as stated in the first part of the Question. Persons bearing the names appended to the notice are known to the police, but so far the police are not in a position to prove the signatures. The police will take all necessary steps to protect Mr. Burns in the exercise of his legal rights.

MR. LONSDALE

Have any steps been taken as yet to protect him?

MR. BIRRELL

Certainly.