Mr. JOHN ROCHE (for Mr. Duffy)asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the peaceful state of Benmore, Kilchreest, Kilrickle, Loughrea, and the county 2099 of Galway generally, and the absence of crime of any serious character, he will cause the extra police to be removed, and in this way relieve the taxpayers of the extraordinary tax which the presence of the extra police force imposes on them?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe county of Galway cannot be said to be free from crime. Part of the West Riding, including the districts round Loughrea to which the hon. Member refers, is still in a very unsatisfactory condition, and while this state of affairs continues no reduction in the extra force can be made.
§ Mr. MOORECan the right hon. Gentleman say how long it is since the last cattle-drive took place in this district?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo; I cannot give the exact date.
Captain CRAIGWill the right hon. Gentleman wait until next week, when I will be able to give him some information -about the subject?
§ Mr. JOHN O'DONNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will now consider the advisability of withdrawing the extra police from the county of Galway, seeing that there is no crime or outrage whatever in any part of the county; and, in view of the peaceable condition of the people of that area, in face of provocation on the part of some landlords and graziers, he will, without further delay, remove the cause of such a tax on the ratepayers of the county as a further continuance of extra police would entail?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have just given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for South Galway?