§ Mr. GUINEYasked the Chief Secretary if he will state on whose authority Constable Culhane, stationed at Newmarket, county Cork, served notices on sheep owners, relative to compulsory sheep dipping, on Sunday, 5th June; and whether, in view of the fact that these notices were handed to sheep owners as they were on their way to attend religious service, he will at once order an inquiry to be made?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary informed me that the notices in question had to be served throughout Ireland before 15th June. The police at Newmarket served them on certain sheep owners while in the village for the purpose of attending Divine Service. The Inspector-General does not approve of this procedure and will inform the local police to that effect. There is no necessity for any inquiry.