Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, owing to the system of cattle-driving throughout certain parts of Ireland, the local rates have in many instances been very materially increased this year; and whether he can see fit to grant relief to those persons who are mulcted in extra rates in connection with extra police where cattle have been driven off their land?
§ Mr. CHERRYLocal rates have doubtless been increased in certain counties in Ireland where it was found necessary to bring in extra police owing to the prevalence of cattle-driving, but I am not aware of any power to exempt any class of persons from payment of these increased rates. I can see no reason, moreover, why, if extra police are required for the protection of the property of any ratepayer, he should be relieved from paying his proportion of the expense of the extra protection required.
§ Mr. JEREMIAH MacVEAGHIs it the fact that the greatest increase in the cost of extra police this year was in the loyal and peaceable county of Armagh?
§ Mr. CHERRYI could not give any indication whether it would be greater or less in any other county.
Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the cattle belonging to a man named Hunt, near Corrofin, county Clare, have on several occasions been driven from his farm; whether Hunt has been subjected to continual intimidation for some time past; can he state if the police can assign any reason for the intimidation; and whether they have taken steps to protect him from further outrage?
§ Mr. CHERRYI am informed by the constabulary authorities that Hunt's cattle were driven twice last year, and that persons helping him have been threatened. The police are doing all that is possible to protect him and his property.