§ Mr. JOHN MURPHYasked the Chief Secretary whether he allowed police protection to Lord Kenmare's bailiffs to seize cattle at Tureencahill, county Kerry, on 25th September; whether the police witnessed the bailiffs ill-treating the cattle on the occasion; if they made a report on the matter or intend to take any action in connection with it; and whether, having regard to the fact that this estate is before the Estates Commissioners for sale, and that the Estates Commissioners have afforded every assistance to the landlord in his dealings with tenants unwilling to purchase on the landlord's conditions, he proposed to take any action as to withholding police protection and compelling the Estates Commissioners to do their duty?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the Constabulary authorities that the bailiffs were not under police protection on the occasion referred to, but a police patrol was at hand to preserve the peace. The police saw both parties beating the cattle in their endeavours to drive them in opposite directions, but there was no ill-treatment which would justify proceedings. Having regard to the prior claims of other estates, the Estates Commissioners cannot deal with this property for a considerable time to come, and meanwhile neither they nor I have any power to interfere with any legal proceedings which the owner may institute for the recovery of the rent due to him.
§ Mr. MURPHYMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman the Chief Secretary is going to allow the police force to be placed at the disposal of the landlord, and are the tenants to be driven into unfair and improper purchases?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe only answer I can give to the hon. Member is no.