HC Deb 25 February 1841 vol 56 cc1021-2
Mr. Sergeant Jackson

begged to ask the noble Lord the Secretary for Ireland whether it were the intention of the Government to effect any change in the law with regard to the registration of arms in Ireland, as it was generally understood that arms had got into the hands of improper persons in various parts of that country?

Viscount Morpeth

believed, that there were powers which might be exercised by the magistracy to remedy that evil. The Government had received several suggestions on that subject, but they were not quite certain whether there were not sufficient power in the law as it at present stood, without calling for new enactments.

Mr. O'Connell

wished to know whether the noble Lord meant to confirm the statement of the hon. and learned Gentleman, that arms had got into the hands of improper persons?

Mr. Sergeant Jackson

had made the statement on the authority of magistrates.

Viscount Morpeth

said, there were some instances in which he had reason to believe that arms had got into the hands of improper persons.