§ MR. HAYDEN (Leitrim, S.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether information has reached him that, on the 24th of July last, a large rick of turf, the property of James Fitzpatriek, of Trillick, near Longford, was destroyed by fire; whether, on the day the fire broke out, the Militia were engaged in musketry practice on the ground; whether, in reply to a Memorial addressed to Dublin Castle on the subject, Sir Redvers Buller admitted that the turf had been accidentally burned at the rifle range on the day the Militia were practising, and gave, as the only ground for the Irish Government not giving compensation, that the fire did not take place on either of the days the Constabulary were engaged in practising; whether, from this admission, and on other grounds, there is reason to believe that the accidental fire was due to the presence of the Militia; and, whether, under all the circumstances, the Government will take into consideration the question of making compensation to this poor man for the loss of his winter's fuel?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle), in reply, said, the fire referred to did break out on the day on which the Militia were practising at the range. It broke out in several places, and could not in any way be affected by the presence of the Militia. There was not, under the circumstances, sufficient evidence that the Militia caused the fire, and he was unable to sanction compensation being given.
§ MR. HAYDENasked, if evidence was given that the Militia actually lighted two fires in proximity to the turf, and set fire to the bog, would the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the Question.
§ MR. E. STANHOPEreplied that if there was additional evidence he would reconsider the Question.