HC Deb 31 May 1905 vol 147 c336
MR. DILLON

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland when the last search for arms was made in Belfast, Lurgan, Portadown, or Derry; and whether firearms are not frequently used during disturbances in these districts.

MR. WALTER LONG

The last search for arms was made in Belfast in 1886, and in Londonderry in 1888. No searches have been made in Lurgan or Portadown. Shots have been fired by both Parties in the North of Ireland; fortunately, however, serious results have rarely followed, but the practice is none the less reprehensible. Detection is difficult in such cases, but the police use their best endeavours to bring offenders to justice.

MR. DILLON

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why searches are made in Roscommon, where arms are not used, but are not made in the North of Ireland, where arms are used?

MR. WALTER LONG

I must ask for notice of that.