§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at the Mullingar Quarter Sessions, on Monday last, Judge Curran stated that, since he last sat there, there had been some eighteen cattle-drives, and boycotting, malignant, systematic, and vindictive, has been carried on against several families in one district, the members of which seemed to have been abandoned to their fate by those whose bounden duty it was to protect them; and whether it is intended to institute proceedings against those who are responsible for the boycotting in these cases.
§ MR. BIRRELLMy attention has been drawn to the statement referred to. The cases of the boycotted persons are being closely watched by the police, who are affording them constant protection. One man, charged with intimidation, has been sent to prison for six weeks in default of bail, and the renewal of the licence of a publican who declined to supply the boycotted persons, has been refused by the magisstrates at the instance of the police. 94 In all cases in which evidence of a criminal offence is available proceedings will be instituted.
§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the remarks of County Court Judge Curran at the Mullingar Quarter Sessions on Monday last; and whether he will state the reasons for depriving chairmen of Quarter Sessions and Grand Juries of information respecting the state of the county with which they were formerly supplied.
§ MR. BIRRELLMy attention has been called to the remarks of the County Court Judge. I have, however, nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member's previous Question on the subject on 14th instant, which, I am informed, correctly states the facts.