§ Mr. BARRIE (for Mr. Lonsdale)asked what was the total number of cattle drives reported to the constabulary up to 31st May, 1910, and the number of cases in which prosecutions have been instituted by the police against persons concerned in cattle driving?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe total number of cattle drives reported to the police up to 31st May last was 1,372. Prosecutions were instituted in 220 of these cases.
§ Mr. BARRIE (for Mr. Lonsdale)asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that two cattle drives have taken place recently in the vicinity of Ballymote, on the farms of Mr. R. R. Gorman and Mr. P. Quigley; whether any persons have been arrested in connection with the drive; and what steps are being taken to protect the cattle from further outrage?
§ Mr. BIRRELLFourteen cattle belonging to Mr. Gorman, and a cow and calf belonging to his herd, Mathew Quigley, were driven off a farm near Ballymote on 20th May. There was only one drive, and all possible precautions are being taken by the police to prevent its repetition. No arrests have been made.
§ Mr. BARRIE (for Mr. Lonsdale)asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware 1443 that injury was done to the cattle and sheep of Mr. Michael Costello in the course of a cattle drive on 3rd June at Bushy Park; and whether he proposes to take any action against the persons concerned in respect of cruelty to the cattle occasioned by their action?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIn this case six persons have been returned for trial on the charge of unlawful assembly, and have also been bound to keep the peace. It is not proposed to proceed against the persons concerned for cruelty to the cattle which were driven two miles. The police understand that one or two of the animals were lame after the drive, but no injury was apparent.
§ Mr. BARRIE (for Mr. Lonsdale)asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that at the quarter sessions held at Athlone Mr. Mulock was awarded £128 compensation in respect of injuries inflicted on his cattle whilst they were being driven; whether his attention has been called to the evidence of Head-Constable Kyne to the effect that on the third drive the cattle were severely treated and savagely beaten; and whether he proposes to take any action against the drivers for cruelty to the cattle?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am aware that Mr. Mulock was awarded compensation as stated in the question. The constabulary authorities inform me that the hon. Member is under a misapprehension in supposing that the evidence showed that the cattle were savagely beaten. No person can be identified as having struck the animals. Proceedings have been taken in connection with these drives against fifty-four persons, of whom twenty-two were discharged and thirty two were bound over to keep the peace. It is not proposed to prosecute the drivers for cruelty to the cattle.