§ CAPTAIN HERVEY (Bury St. Edmunds)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Beirne who lately surrendered his farm at Tonlagee; whether he is aware that this surrender was caused by intimidation, and that Mr. Beirne has stated in public that he is the victim of an act of robbery, but that he will forego his interest in the farm if the Estates Commissioners will find money to endorse the plunder; and whether the Estates Commissioners have taken any steps to purchase this farm.
§ (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) My attention has been called to this case. I am aware that Mr. Beirne has announced that he has surrendered the farm, and I am informed that a letter purporting to be signed by him and containing a statement to the effect mentioned in the Question has appeared in a local newspaper. Nine men were prosecuted at assizes upon a charge of riot and unlawful assembly in connection with the dispersal of Mr. Beirne's cattle, and the trial resulted in a verdict of not guilty. Mr. Beirne has offered to sell his interest in the farm to the Estates Commissioners, 426 and the matter is at present under their consideration.