§ MR. GILHOOLY (Cork Co., W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. William Cotter, P.L.G., residing at Breenymore, Bantry, has applied to Captain Welsh, R.M., for a licence to carry a gun on his farm, but has been refused; and, if so, will he inquire what are the grounds for the refusal?
MR. J. MORLEYI learn that Mr. William Cotter has been refused an arms licence as stated. The power of granting or withholding such licences is vested by law in the Resident Magistrate of the district, and with this discretionary power the Government cannot interfere. Possibly the refusal in this instance may have had something to say to the state of the district at the time when application was first made some years ago. Of course, there is nothing to prevent Mr. Cotter from renewing his application now if he should see fit to do so.
§ MR. GILHOOLYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. John Cotter, of Barna, Skibbereen, has applied to Captain Welsh, R.M., for a licence to carry a gun on his farm; that Dr. Lewis, J.P., gave Mr. Cotter a letter of recommendation to Captain Welsh; but that Mr. Cotter was refused the licence; and will he inquire on what grounds the licence was refused?
MR. J. MORLEYI am informed I that the Resident Magistrate has no recollection of having received an application from Mr. John Cotter. It also appears that the local Justice named cannot recollect having recommended Mr. Cotter for a licence.