§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that hostile demonstrations have recently been held at the farm of a Protestant named Payne at Ballintubber; whether the police identified a number of the persons taking part in these proceedings; and whether it is intended to take action against the disturbers of the peace.
§ MR. BIRRELLOn 8th April about 100 persons assembled on Mr. Payne's farm and held a meeting there. On 21st April a meeting was held on the public road over a quarter of a mile from the farm, but no attempt was made to go upon the farm. On this occasion an extra force of forty police was present with the object of preventing any incursion upon the farm. The Government have been advised that the evidence of unlawful acts in connection with the first-named occurrence is not sufficient to warrant proceedings. The police have been instructed to afford full protection to the person and property of Mr. Payne.
§ MR. MOORE (Armagh, N.)Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether on this occasion intimidatory language was used against Mr. Payne?
§ MR. BIRRELLI have no knowledge.
§ MR. HAYDEN (Roscommon, S.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Payne lives several miles from the place where this meeting was held; that nobody resides on the farm, and that there was not a single head of cattle on it at the time?
§ MR. BIRRELLI did not know even that.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Can the right hon. Gentleman say if any carrion crows were present on the occasion?
§ MR. LONSDALEI desire to ask a serious question. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the traders of the district have refused to supply this man with the necessaries of life?
§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)Why not?
§ MR. BIRRELLNo, Sir. I hear that also for the first time.