MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether his attention was called to the evidence of District Inspector Ball, of County Kerry, before the Licensing Commission, with reference to a recipe for making whisky which came into his possession, and the ingredients 670 of which included methylated spirits and sulphate of copper; (2) whether the police authorities of Kerry took steps, either directly or by informing the Inland Revenue authorities, to ascertain if such poisonous compounds were actually made and sold as whisky in the county; and (3) did any prosecutions follow on Inspector Ball's discovery?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have seen the evidence of Mr. Ball, to which reference is made in the first paragraph. The incident mentioned by him is alleged to have occurred some years ago, and it was only within the past few months that it came to his knowledge. Steps have been taken to procure samples of whisky sold under the circumstances described by the District Inspector, with a view to having them analysed and the traffic stopped. One such sample is now with the analyst, and the question of taking proceedings will be decided upon the receipt of his report.
MR. P. O'BRIENHave the police in Ireland ever discovered the sale of whisky containing these ingredients?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am afraid I cannot answer that. It was for the Inspector to satisfy himself as to the accuracy of his evidence.
MR. P. O'BRIENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the evidence has had a serious effect on Irish trade?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, Order!