§ Mr. HORNERasked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether he is aware that the Irish Game Protection Association reported to the Excise authorities that William Kelly, of Moville, county Donegal, was convicted for shooting game on the 14th August, 1910, 4th September, 1910, and 9th October, 1910, and that the association requested them to prosecute him for using a gun without a licence; and whether he can give any reason for the failure of the authorities to prosecute in this case?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe facts of this case were brought to the notice of the Board of Customs and Excise early in November last by the Irish Game Protection Association, who informed the Board that they intended to prosecute Kelly under the Game Laws. It is the practice of the Board, when the same set of circumstances appear to involve an offence against the Revenue Laws as well as the Game Laws, to endeavour to arrange for the prosecutions being taken simultaneously, and inquiries were instituted by them with this object in the present case. Owing, however, to the pressure of work in connection with old age pensions and other Excise business, the necessary details were not ascertained early enough to admit of the whole case against Kelly being placed before the magistrates at the same time. In view of this circumstance, and having regard to the fact that Kelly was convicted and fined for the game offence, the Board, in the exercise of their discretion, decided not to bring the case into court.