HC Deb 05 February 1908 vol 183 cc870-1
MR. CHARLES CRAIG

On behalf of the hon. Member for East Down, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many outrages have been reported to the police in Ireland during 1907 in which firearms and explosives were used; in how many cases were convictions against the offenders obtained; and in how many cases were the police overpowered.

MR. BIRRELL

During the year 1907, 121 cases of serious crime occurred in Ireland in which firearms or explosives were used. In twelve of these cases there were convictions, and in seven of the cases the proceedings are still pending. In none of the cases were the police overpowered. In one case the police who were present were not in sufficient numbers to make arrests, but they identified several of the offenders and these were subsequently prosecuted.

MR. CHARLES CRAIG

May I ask if in view of that fact that a very large number of these cases occurred immediately after the revocation of the Peace Preservation Act, the right hon. Gentleman will consider the desirability of re-introducing the Act?.

MR. BIRRELL

Having regard to the evidence of the utility of the former Act I have no intention of proposing its restoration to the Statute-book.

MR. CULLINAN (Tipperary, S.)

In how many cases have the police reason to believe that the outrages were committed by the owner of the property or those associated with him.

MR. BIRRELL

I cannot answer that Question. I do not think I have any such information in my possession.