§ MR. MEAGHER (Kilkenny, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that forces of police were sent from Paulstown, Gowran, and Gores-bridge to assist at a grass-letting at 1103 Viewmount, County Kilkenny, on 22nd January; will he state by whose authority such action was taken; was a breach of the peace apprehended; if so, on what grounds; and, seeing that Kilkenny is one of the most peaceable and law-abiding counties in the United Kingdom, and with a view to prevent a breach of the peace and feelings of bitterness between the authorities and the people, will he see that conduct such as this will not be allowed in future.
§ MR. BIRRELLA letting by auction of grazing lands at Viewmount was announced for 22nd January. The police authorities had reason to apprehend that the auction might be interfered with., and consequently four policemen were sent to the place for the preservation of the peace. It is the fact that the county of Kilkenny generally is in a most peaceful condition, but in this particular instance precautionary measures were called for.
In reply to a further Question the right hon. Gentleman said the police would not have been sent to the auction had not threatening notices been posted.