§ MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHY (for Mr. O'SULLIVAN)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is true that several respectable farmers in the districts of Glin and also of Newcastle West, county Limerick, have been refused licence to keep arms, notwithstanding the fact that they were recommended by magistrates and other gentlemen who knew them; and, if so, to know why it was that such persons were refused a right which some of them enjoyed for over twenty years?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, the magistrates in both of these places had informed him that they had not in any instance refused a licence when a proper certificate signed by magistrates was produced.
§ MAJOR NOLANasked the right hon. Gentleman, If he is aware that one shilling is charged for each of the printed forms on which a licence to carry arms is given; and, if he will give directions that Petty Sessions clerks and others should sell these forms for a penny, or such other sum as will cover the cost of paper and printing?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, the printed forms of licences were granted by officers appointed by the Lord Lieutenant for the purpose. The Petty Sessions clerks had nothing to do with the granting of them. If, however, an applicant for a licence employed a Petty Sessions clerk to fill up any form, it was his own business. The Petty Sessions clerk, of course, might agree with the applicant to do so, and to be paid for doing so such sum as the applicant might be willing to pay.
§ MAJOR NOLANsaid, these forms could only be procured from Petty Sessions clerks on payment of 1s.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERsaid, he would make inquiries into the matter. He was informed that these forms could be obtained from the licensing officers—["For how much?"]—for nothing.
§ MAJOR NOLANsaid, he thought that fact ought to be made known. Several persons had paid 1s.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERsaid, the printed forms were supplied for nothing. Petty Sessions clerks had no right to do anything in the matter unless applicants employed them to fill up the forms.
§ MR. MACFARLANEinquired if these forms could be supplied by the police?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERNo.