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Athenry Cattle-Driving Prosecution

Volume 176: debated on Wednesday 26 June 1907

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I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that, at the hearing of a charge of cattle-driving against nine men before the Athenry Petty Sessions Court on Friday, the solicitor for the defence contended that it was not the duty of the constabulary to protect any man's cattle, and laid stress on the statement of the Chief Secretary that it was toe duty of these people to make some attempt to protect their own property; whether a majority of the magistrates dismissed the case; and what further action lie proposes to take in this matter.

According to the newspaper reports of this case, the solicitor for the defence did not suggest that it was not the duty of the constabulary to afford protection, but said he was not aware that it was their duty to act as herds. Seeing that the constabulary do not act as herds, the solicitor's comment has no particular force. It is the fact that the majority of the magistrates refused information in the case referred to. The question whether further proceedings should be taken will be considered by my right hon. friend the Attorney-General for Ireland in due course.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman in some cases accept newspaper reports and in others reject them?