§ 26. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether the arms and ammunition taken from loyal subjects in Ireland 1494 during the past two years or thereabouts by order of His Majesty's Government will now be restored to them; and what steps they should take to get back the arms and ammunition so taken?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)This matter is under consideration, and I hope that it will shortly be possible to make an announcement in the Press.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these arms were taken from loyal subjects by His Majesty's Government for the purpose of safe custody, and does he know that the failure to restore them is causing very great inconvenience to those from whom they were taken?
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable number of the arms taken by the police have subsequently been stolen by the Sinn Feiners, and will these also be restored?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThis is a matter for the three Governments to consider. The Northern Government has already prohibited everybody having arms except under a licence.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTDoes the right hon. Gentleman not also include the Government of Mr. de Valera?
§ Mr. DEVLINWhat about Page Croft?