HC Deb 02 March 1882 vol 266 cc1926-7
MR. GRAY

asked, Whether the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland is aware that magistrates in the county of Tipperary and elsewhere, when applied to by respectable farmers and others, who have previously held licences for carrying arms, for a licence under the present Arms Act, are habitually asked, first, whether they were members of the late Land League, and, secondly, whether they have paid the last gale of rent; and, whether the putting of these questions has the sanction or approval of the Government?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)

Sir, such inquiries as mentioned in this Question have been, but are not "habitually made," by the licensing officers of applicants for arms licences under the Peace Preservation Act. Those officers must exercise the discretion with which they are invested by the law, and with which the Government cannot interfere.

MR. GRAY

said, his Question had not been answered, because it referred to a particular case.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)

said, he was under the impression that he had answered the Question which appeared on the Paper.

MR. GRAY

said, he had asked a particular Question, and he referred particularly to the action of the Hon. Mr. French.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (ME. W. M. JOHNSON)

said, he had already stated that these inquiries were not habitually made.