§ LORD J. JOICEY-CECILI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the statement of County Court Judge Bodkin at Ennis, in County Clare, that the county was now in a peaceful condition; whether he can state how many outrages by firearms have been perpetrated in that county since 31st January. 1907; and how many people in the county are now receiving protection by the police, either constant or by patrols.
§ MR. BIRRELLAccording to a newspaper report to which my attention has been called, Judge Bodkin's remarks appear to have had special reference to the division of Ennis, at the Quarter Sessions for which he was presiding. There was only one case for trial on the occasion, a case of larceny. Since 31st January, 1907, twenty-four offences in which firearms were used have been reported from County Clare. On 31st of last month four persons were receiving constant protection and fifty-four protection by patrols.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)May I ask whether it is not a fact that in a great many of these so-called outrages by firearms no injury whatever was inflicted and that there is a vast amount of exaggeration in connection with them?
§ MR. BIRRELLI am glad to know that it is the fact that only a small amount of personal injury has been inflicted; but I think the hon. Member will agree with me that there is rather too free a use of firearms in the County of Clare.