HC Deb 17 November 1884 vol 293 cc1838-9
MR. DEASY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Constables M'Carry and Brady, of the Whitegate Police Station, county Cork, frequently shoot rabbits, sea-fowls, &c. without an Inland Revenue Licence; whether the fowling-piece used by them is one which has been given to a resident in the neighbourhood for his protection; whether the constables have for many days together kept possession of the gun; will they be prosecuted for a violation of the Inland Revenue Act; and, what notice will be taken by the Constabulary Authorities of their conduct?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am informed that on one or two occasions the constables named have accidentally met a gamekeeper or another person—a retired Coastguard officer—who allowed them to fire a few shots at rabbits or sea-fowl. There is no other foundation for the statements in the Question. The men bear a high character, and they transgressed thoughtlessly in this matter. The Inspector General does not intend to take further notice of the proceeding, except to caution them to be very careful not to give any opportunity for accusing them of breaking the law.

MR. DEASY

said, the right hon. Gentleman had not answered the last paragraph of his Question.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

said, that contraventions of the Inland Revenue Act were matters for the action of the Inland Revenue authorities.