§ MR. PARNELLasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is true that buck shot, in addition to the ordinary ball cartridge, has been or is to be served out to the Royal Irish Constabulary; and, whether this new police ammunition has been adopted in view of threatened agrarian evictions in Ireland?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERSir, I am informed on inquiry that a limited number of buckshot cartridges has been issued to the Constabulary in addition to ball cartridges. I see that the hon. Member has altered his Question. It was originally to ask if the new police ammunition has been adopted in view of "threatened agrarian disturbances in Ireland;" but he has now altered it to evictions. I must make this remark— that it is generally desirable to adhere to the terms of the Question put on the Paper. This issue of buckshot is not on account of agrarian disturbances or of evictions; but because it was the opinion of the authorities that if ever—and I most sincerely trust it will never occur in my time—it may unfortunately become necessary for the Police to fire, the 710 risk of accidental injury to persons unconnected with the riots, by the use of long range bullets, might be avoided. The fact which mainly caused this issue was that it very unfortunately happened that at Lurgan, in a case where a riot occurred, some innocent persons were injured.
§ MR. PARNELLI agree with the right hon. Gentleman that it is not desirable that Questions should be altered after having been placed on the Paper. The reason I altered the Question is that it is my strong impression that I gave Notice of it as I have asked it; but I cannot be sure of that, as my Question was written under my directions, and not by myself.