HC Deb 14 August 1890 vol 348 cc981-2
MR. SEXTONon behalf of Mr. ROCHE, Gal way, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. Patrick M'Dermott, of Derrygoolan, Woodford, was served with a notice on Friday last, signed by "Zetland," revoking his gun licence; whether he will state if Mr. M'Dermott was ever charged with any offence; and, if not, why his licence has been revoked; whether he is aware that, in order to use his gun, Mr. M'Dermott had to take out a 10s. Excise licence on the 1st of August each year; and although the notice depriving Mr. M'Dermott of using his gun was dated 29th July, it was not served until the 8th of August; and whether, under those circumstances, he will direct that Mr. M'Dermott shall get back his money if he is not allowed to have his gun?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It is the case that the Lord Lieutenant has revoked the game licence which was held by Mr. M'Dermott. His Excellency did so in the exercise of his discretion, as being of opinion that Mr. M'Dermott is not a fit person to hold a licence. If Mr. M'Dermott considers that he is entitled to have refunded the Excise licence paid by him his proper course is to memorial the Excise Authorities.

MR. SEXTON

I suppose it is of no use asking why the gun licence was revoked. I should like to point out, however, that though the revoking order was issued before the end of the Excise year it was not served until several days after, and in the meantime Mr. M'Dermott had taken out a fresh licence. Will the right hon. Gentleman, under the circumstances, order that the money paid shall be refunded?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

; I will consider the point, but Mr. M'Dermott can easily apply to the Excise Authorities.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Was the licence revoked at the instance of a landlord to prevent Mr. M'Dermott shooting grouse?

MR. E. HARRINGTON (Kerry, W.)

The gun licence was, I am told, revoked because Mr. M'Dermott was suspected of shooting game. I noticed the right hon. Gentleman in his answer referred to the game licence.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

That was an error, and I withdraw the word. My answer refers to the gun licence.

MR. E. HARRINGTON

; You said game.

MR. SEXTON

It is the first thing the right hon. Gentleman has ever withdrawn.