HC Deb 09 August 1888 vol 330 cc76-7
MR. J. O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been drawn to the case of two Emergency men, named Plumber and Connell, who, being in charge of a farm at Killeenagalline, County Tipperary, whilst returning on Wednesday the 1st instant, from Emly, in a state of drunkenness, fired several shots from revolvers, when two young girls had a narrow escape from the bullets; whether, having been arrested by the police, they were brought before the magistrates at Tipperary Petty Sessions, and fined £1 and 7s. 6d. respectively for being drunk only; whether Constable Falvey swore the revolver found on Plumber had the appearance of being discharged; and, whether the authorities are investigating the case of firing, and intend taking any action against these men for the grave offence?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

The Constabulary Authorities report that the caretakers referred to are not connected either with the Emergency Committee or the Property Defence Association. Plumber was fined £1 for being drunk while in possession of a loaded revolver, and Connell 5s. for being drunk only, his revolver not being loaded when he was arrested. It does not appear that the two girls had a narrow escape from being shot. One of them said Connell pointed his revolver at her, but made no attempt to discharge it; nor did he say anything to her. Her companion said she did not see Connell do anything. The constable's evidence related to Connell's (not Plumber's) revolver; and it appears that a man states that he saw him discharge it into a field where there was no person.

MR. J. O'CONNOR

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether the authorities will inquire how these men are able to fire revolvers in the open air without being prosecuted?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have not got the exact terms of the charge before me. There will probably be an investigation into the matter of the licence.

MR. J. O'CONNOR

That is not what I asked. Will the authorities take any steps to investigate the matter?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have stated all I know in reply to the Question.