HC Deb 13 May 1908 vol 188 c1145
CAPTAIN CRAIG

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that an extensive cattle-drive took place on Sunday morning, 3rd May last, at Knockalaghla, near Ballintubber, five miles from Castlerea, county Roscommon; can he state how far from the farm the cattle were when discovered by the police, and in what condition; can the police attribute any reason for the outrage; and how many arrests have been made.

MR. BIRRELL

Eight head of cattle and thirty-three sheep were driven off this farm during the night of 2nd May. The cattle were found about three miles away and were taken back to the farm. None of them had sustained any visible injury; but one cow which was in calf appeared to be in pain. The police cannot say what the motive for the offence may have been. No arrests have been made.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Vice-President of the Board of Agriculture said some time ago that cattle-driving did no harm to man or beast?

[No Answer was returned.]