§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a fisherman named Patrick Cronin was severely wounded at Youghal, County Cork, on the 12th instant, by a shot fired from the rifle range, owing to some mistake in the danger signals; whether steps will be taken to secure the absolute safety of boats at sea during ball practice at this range; and whether, in view of the fact that the wounded man is dependent upon his occupation for his livelihood, reasonable compensation will be granted him for his injury and consequent disablement?
§ * MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANPatrick Cronin was wounded in his boat on the 12th instant by a shot from the rifle range, but there does not appear to have been any mistake as to the danger signals, nor is carelessness imputable either to the firing party or to Cronin himself. He was struck when outside the supposed range of danger, probably 88 by a ricochet bullet, and the occurrence seems to have been quite accidental. I am glad to say that the wound is not likely to have serious consequences. Orders have been given to increase the zone marked as dangerous, and the question of compensation will be duly considered.