§ MR. HAZLETON (Galway, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he will give particulars of the alleged boycotting and intimidation because of which the police force in the Headford, County Galway, district has been so largely increased; and whether, in view of the fact that the increase is considered absolutely unnecessary by the people and the police themselves, orders will be given to have the extra police withdrawn.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I am informed that since 1st January last, five agrarian offences have been committed in the police district of Headford. Four families are partially boycotted, and two of these families, together with a third family, are receiving police protection. It is, for obivous reasons, 9 undesirable to publish the names of the persons affected. The police authorities consider the increased force at Headford to be absolutely necessary for the present, and it cannot therefore be withdrawn.