§ CAPTAIN NOLANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, If he intends to direct any relaxation in the application of those clauses of the Peace Preservation Act which restrict Irish farmers in the possession of fowling-pieces?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH, in reply, said, the hon. and gallant Member appeared to desire that fowling-pieces should be exceptionally treated, and that persons who might not be considered fit subjects for licences to carry arms generally might possess fowling-pieces and use them without licences. As far as he was at present advised, he thought such a course would not be a wise one to adopt, even if it were possible. It would not be easy to distinguish between what was called a fowling-piece and what was not. A fowling-piece might be used to carry bullets as well as shot, and he was afraid the history of the many outrages in Ireland would show that it was with these weapons that many of those outrages had been committed. Every reasonable facility ought to be given to Irish farmers to obtain licences for the carrying of arms of the description mentioned in the Question. Much had been done already in this direction, and he should be glad if anything further could be done for giving these facilities.