§ DR. ROBERT AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will inquire why Mr. Jeffery, of Drumlong 891 House, Newport, County Mayo, was refused by the resident magistrate of West-port to carry firearms, notwithstanding the fact that he had the recommendation in writing of two of the Justices of the Peace for the petty session district, and also that of his landlord?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELANDIt would be contrary to the invariable practice to disclose the reasons which may influence a resident magistrate in exercising the discretion vested in him by law in granting or withholding the issue of licences to keep firearms. I have, however, made inquiry into the case referred to in the question, and have satisfied myself that the resident magistrate exercised the discretion with which he is invested in a reasonable and proper manner.