HC Deb 16 May 1907 vol 174 cc1104-5
CAPTAIN CRAIG

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at the last monthly meeting of the executive committee of the North Roscommon Branch of the United Irish League, at which representatives from the local branches of Boyle, Crossna, Drumlion, Creeve, Aughrim, Croghan, Ballinameen, Kilgass, Kilmore, Bally-broughter-and-Kilmaryal, Rooskey - and-Tarmonbarry, and Killina were present, the chairman stated that the United Irish League had achieved a great victory quite recently over the Estates Commissioners, who held a certain complement of grazing land around Boyle about which they had sent out notices of their intention to let by auction under the eleven months' system, which intention was successfully frustrated by the Boyle branch of the United Irish League; will he say whether the Boyle Board of Guardians have since appointed three men to act as trustees over the land in question; whether the Government intend to take action in the matter or to allow the United Irish League to have complete control in the county of Roscommon; and whether he is aware that Mr. James Fagan at the same meeting stated that around Elphin all had surrendered their takes, with the exception of one or two, owing to the intimidation practised by the United Irish League.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. CHERRY,) Liverpool, Exchange

The police authorities inform me that the meeting referred to in the Question was hold within doors, and they have no information as to the language which may have been used at it. The Estates Commissioners hold seventy acres of Untenanted land near Boyle, for the division of which arrangements have not yet been made. Pending the resale of this land the Commissioners advertised the letting of the grazing for the present season, but subsequently, upon the suggestion of their inspector, they let the grazing to a local committee of three, who will arrange to take in cattle of the occupiers of small holdings in the neighbourhood. The names of the local committee were suggested by the district council. The Commissioners were not influenced in the matter by the United Irish League and have no knowledge of the proceedings referred to in the Question.