§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received information that it is intended to loot the cattle on the Kiltogert Farm, near Carrick-on-Shannon; whether he has been informed that this threat is due to the withdrawal of the charges against the men who were proceeded against for driving cattle on this farm on Easter Monday; whether the owner has informed him of the steps he proposes to take to protect his property in default of receiving any protection from the law; and what action will the Government take in the matter.
§ MR. CHERRYMy right hon. friend has received a letter from the owner of a fourth part of this property, in which 773 the writer states that he has received information that, as a result of the withdrawal of the previous charges, it is intended to loot the cattle on the farm in question, and that in such event he intends to take certain strong measures for the protection of his property. My right hon. friend has already informed the hon. Member that the former case was not proceeded with because there had been no renewal of cattle-driving in the locality. This course was adopted in the interests of the peace of the locality. Up to the present there has been no case of cattle-driving from the farm since that which occurred two and a half months ago. The police authorities inform me that, so far as they are aware, no threat to loot the cattle has been made. The police, however, are affording constant protection to the property of the gentleman referred to.
§ MR. LONSDALEAnd in the event of another attempt being made to drive these cattle, may we take it that the gentleman referred to will be justified in taking the steps he suggests?
§ MR. CHERRYI do not say anything of the kind. I do not know what steps he proposes.