§ SIR P. BANBURY (City of London)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to an outrage which occurred last week near Ballyfarnon, County Roscommon, the residence of Miss Frazer, when three valuable cattle were driven off the farm and, after having had their tails cut off, were driven into a swamp and drowned; and what steps have been taken to bring the offenders to justice.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Inspector General of the Royal Irish Constabulary informs me that on the night of the 11th instant four bullocks, the property of the Misses Frazer, were driven off their land and forced into a bog hole. The cattle were not drowned, nor were their tails cut. The police, with the assistance of some civilians, got them out of the bog. A claim for compensation has been lodged.
§ MR. J. MACVEAGHMr. Speaker, is it not a rule of this House that any hon. Member putting down a Question should make himself responsible for the truth of the statements contained in it, and does not censure attach to the hon. Member for the City of London for putting a Question containing two absolutely false statements?
§ * MR. SPEAKERThe rule is that any Member who asks a Question makes himself responsible for the statements contained therein, but it sometimes happens that these statements turn out to be inaccurate.
§ MR. J. MACVEAGHIs not an expression of apology due from the hon. Gentleman?
§ * MR. SPEAKERI am afraid a great deal of time would be occupied in this way.