§ MR. DE COBAINI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some persons engaged in the pawn broking trade in Belfast had adopted the practice of discounting Army Pension Papers, though such Papers distinctly indicated the illegality of such a course; and whether he would give instructions to the Royal Irish Constabulary to test the validity of these charges, and to take such steps against those who might be found guilty of the offence as would check the recurrence of such a practice?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am informed that some pawnbrokers in Belfast have adopted the practice referred to in the question. The police have made efforts to obtain sufficient grounds for a prosecution, but hitherto without success. I shall, however, consider what further steps should be taken.