MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what is the result of his promise to inquire into the breaches of the law of which Thomas Brady, of Ballinaglera, County Leitrim, has been three times convicted, viz. at Carrick Assizes, 5th June, 1898, for firing at the person; at Doura Petty Sessions, on 9th November, 1898, and 12th April, 1899, for carrying arms 1190 without an Excise licence; is Brady still in possession of firearms with a licence under the Arms Act; and is it the intention of the authorities to treat this recent conviction as a contravention of his recognisance to be of good behaviour.
§ *MR. G. W. BALFOURSince I replied to the hon. and learned Member's previous question of the 21st February respecting this man, he has been prosecuted at the suit of the Excise authorities for carrying a gun without a licence, and has been fined in a sum of £2 10s. Brady is not in possession of firearms, nor has he a licence under the Peace Preservation Act. It is believed that the gun which he used on the occasions mentioned belonged to his son, who has a licence, and who has been warned by the police that if he did riot take steps to prevent the use of the weapon by his father the question of revoking his licence would have to he considered. The facts of the case have been fully reported upon to my right hon. friend the Attorney-General for Ireland, who has advised that it is not necessary to have Brady brought up for judgment.
MR. T. M. HEALYMay I ask whether carrying arms without a licence is not only an offence against the Excise but also under the Arms Act. Why was not this man prosecuted and sent to gaol for three months, as the Nationalists were?
§ *MR. G. W. BALFOURAs the hon. Gentleman knows, if the Excise take up a case it is not always necessary to take it before any other court.