CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the number of firearms, including revolvers, sold in Ireland since the Peace Preservation Act was dropped by the present Government, to date, and for a similar period prior to 1st January, 1906; and whether, in view of the increase of outrages in which firearms are used, the Government intend to take steps to prohibit the sale of rifles, guns, revolvers, and ammunition to irresponsible persons in Ireland.
§ MR. BIRRELLI am not in a position to give the figures asked for in the first part of the Question, nor am I aware of any means by which the Government could obtain precise information on the subject. The Government would be willing to introduce a Bill on the lines of the English Pistols Act if opportunity should offer.
CAPTAIN CRAIGWill the Government take an early opportunity to introduce a Bill to deal with this serious matter.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Government recognise the serious nature of the increase in the number of firings into houses, but the question is how far legislation can effect a reduction.
CAPTAIN CRAIGWhy did you drop the Peace Preservation Act?