§ DR. AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. John Murphy, of Derrybrick Turlough, Castlebar, county Mayo, has been refused a gun licence, which he 9 is in need of to protect his crops from vermin; if he can state any reason for the refusal, in view of Mr. Murphy's character and the fact that no charge has been made by the police; and whether he will communicate with the resident magistrate of the district on the subject.
(Answered by Mr. Atkinson.) The application of Mr. Murphy for a licence to keep a gun was refused by the licensing officer in the exercise of the discretion vested in him by law. The Government is unable to state the reasons for the refusal, and cannot interfere in the matter as suggested.