HC Deb 08 July 1908 vol 191 cc1674-5
MR. LONSDALE

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. Justice Madden, at the Longford Assizes, was not furnished with the detailed information on the condition of the county which is usually furnished on these occasions; whether he can state the reason for the omission; whether he is aware that the learned Judge stated on the occasion that the crime of boycotting and the form of intimidation known as cattle-driving existed in the county to an extent which led to the conclusion that its condition was other than satisfactory, and, inasmuch as offenders were not made amenable to the law, he could not regard the light calendar as fairly representative of the general condition of the county with regard to crime; and whether he intends to take any action in the matter.

MR. CHERRY

I am informed that the learned Judge was supplied with the full returns of crime for the county in the usual form, and that, in accordance with the established practice, the county inspector was present to afford any explanation of the returns which the learned Judge might require. It is the fact that some boycotting exists in County Longford. The police are affording all necessary protection to the persons affected. There have been comparatively few cases of cattle-driving in the county, and the returns of crime show some decrease. The police authorities are of opinion that the condition of the county has somewhat improved, and no special action appears to be called for.

MR. CHARLES CRAIG

When the opinion of the Judge of Assize and that of the police conflict as to whether a county is in a peaceful condition, why does the right hon. Gentleman always take the opinion of the police?

MR. CHERRY

I do not take the opinion of the police.

MR. CHARLES CRAIG

But you have in this case.

MR. KILBRIDE (Kildare, S.)

Is it not a fact that some boycotting exists in the House of Commons? Is not the hon. Member for West Belfast boycotted in this House, and was not the noble Lord the late Member for West Down boycotted out of his constituency?

CAPTAIN DONELAN

I have been the victim of boycotting myself. Does not Justice Madden speak of boycotting as a crime? Is that so termed in Irish police reports?

MR. CHERRY

No doubt there are cases which cannot properly be classed as crimes.