§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state approximately the number of years during which it has been impossible for Mr. Charles Clarke, of Graiguenoe Park, Thurles, to visit the town of Thurles without police protection; how many police are at present detailed to protect his person and property, and how many of these sleep in his dwelling-house; whether he can state the nature of the offence committed by Mr. Clarke which renders it impossible for the authorities of the United Irish League to allow any person in Thurles to have dealings with Mr. Clarke; whether he is aware that Mr. Clarke has been for some years compelled to purchase and bring all the necessaries of life from Dublin, a town eighty miles distant; and if he can state what measures, if any, the Government have taken in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLFrom November, 1908, to May, 1909, Mr. Clarke could not visit Thurles without a police. escort. Things have since improved, and the arrangements for his protection have been modified Five police are at present detailed to protect his person and property. None of them sleep in his house. The hostility shown to him arose from his refusal to sell certain lands to the Estates Commissioners for distribution. He has been obliged for the past sixteen months to obtain his supplies for the most part from a distance, but I understand that certain local traders are now willing to supply him. A charge of conspiracy is pending in connection with the agitation against him.