§ MR. LONSDALETo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the statement of Mr. Robert Boyle to an inspector of the Local Government Board, at an inquiry under the Labourers Act, at Cashel, on 18th April, that he had been boycotted for the last fourteen years, that his cattle had been maimed and poisoned, a house on his farm was burned, and he was refused supplies by the local shop-keepers, while he had received a letter telling him that he would be shot; and whether this man is under police protection.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I am informed that, at the inquiry referred to, Mr. Boyle made a statement to the effect mentioned in the Question. It is the fact that Mr. Boyle was boycotted and in receipt of police protection for a number of years, but he is not now under protection, and the police have no knowledge of any recent act of boycotting or intimidation against him.