§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, on the night of the 21st instant, Thomas Corcoran, of Benmore, near Bullaun, county Galway, while returning from his fathers house to his own, was fired at by at least two persons, who were concealed on either side of the road; that Corcoran was seriously wounded in the back, legs, and arm, and now lies in a serious condition in his father's house; and 970 whether, seeing that Corcoran was boycotted for retaining a farm which he had obtained from the Estates Commissioners and which the local branch of the United Irish League had ordered him to surrender, he will say whether this is considered by the police to be the motive for the attack, and what steps have been taken by the police.
§ MR. BIRRELLIt is the fact that Thomas Corcoran was fired at and severely wounded, but I am glad to learn that he is making a good recovery. Three persons have been arrested for the offence, and while the proceedings are pending it would be irregular to make any statement as to the details of the case.