HC Deb 28 July 1910 vol 19 cc2322-3
Captain CRAIG

asked if Protestants in Kinsale, including the Protestant curate, have recently had their houses attacked by a Nationalist mob because they refused to join in a boycott of a family called Bradfield; and what action do the Government propose to take in the matter?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

The police authorities inform me that there was a good deal of disorder in Kinsale between 15th and 25th June in connection with an evicted farm held by a man named Bradfield. The windows of the houses of some shopkeepers who supplied him were broken, and also the window in the house of the Protestant curate who had dealings with him. One of the party who broke the window in the latter house was summoned by the police, but the charge was dismissed at the Kinsale Petty Sessions. A force of twenty extra police was drafted into the town to preserve order. I understand that the boycotting and disorder have now ceased. The matter is being closely watched, and full protection will be afforded to any persons who may require it.

Mr. CREAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this dispute has been amicably settled by the intervention of Catholic and Protestant gentlemen in the district?

Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

asked a like question, and further inquired: Has this matter anything whatever to do with religion?

Mr. MOORE

And will the right hon. Gentleman also answer that part of the question which suggests that Driscoll is of American nationality? Is it intended to give him a farm at the expense of the British taxpayer?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

Those points are not mentioned in this question.

Mr. W. O'BRIEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question whether this dispute has not been amicably settled? Has not the boycott now ceased?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

I have already stated that the boycott has ceased.

Mr. MOORE

Was this family boycotted because they would not give up the farm to Driscoll? Are the Estates Commissioners going to reinstate Driscoll, who is an American citizen?

Mr. KILBRIDE

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest the advisability of a conference between Driscoll and the hon. Member for North Armagh?

Mr. MOORE

He would come off second best if he tried on that.