HC Deb 03 February 1902 vol 102 cc188-9
MR. ROCHE (Galway, E.)

; I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the police at Ferryoober, county Galway, took a gun and hare from John Mulvehill on the 9th instant: Whether Mulvehill had a license to have and carry the gun; and, if so, will he direct that the gun be given back to Mulvehill; and whether it is any part of the duty of the police to act as gamekeepers.

MR. WYNDHAM

The reply to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. It forms no part of the duty of the police to act as gamekeepers, nor did they do so on the present occasion. They were engaged in enforcing the provisions of the Poaching Prevention Act, under which proceedings are now pending against Mulvehill. The Inland Revenue Authorities are also proceeding against him for shooting game without a Game Certificate. In view of these proceedings I cannot say whether the gun will be restored to Mulvehill.

MR. REDDY

Did the police have the game?

MR. ROCHE

put a further Question, but Mr. Wyndham asked for notice.