§ SIR T. ESMONDEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to an accident which took place recently at the artillery range at Glenbeigh, County Kerry, when through the bursting of a shell several 791 persons lost their lives and others were seriously injured; if he can explain how the accident occurred; whether any, and, if so, what, precautions had been taken to prevent it; whether the Government will consider the question of compensating the persons injured, and the families of those killed, by this accident; and whether the War Office Authorities will institute an inquiry, with a view to ascertaining how similar accidents can be prevented in the future?
*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOE WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERJUAN,&c.) Stirling,The sad accident which occurred at Glenbeigh on the 2nd instant was caused by some civilians tampering with an unexploded shell. Every possible precaution is taken to prevent accidents. Notice-boards, explaining the danger of touching projectiles, are posted in the village, at the hotel, the chapel, and the post-office; and all persons going into the camp, or moving about the range, are personally cautioned by both officers and men. It is much to be regretted that in spite of all these warnings persons should foolishly meddle with shells; but when an accident follows upon such conduct it is hard to see how the Military Authorities can be held responsible.