§ Mr. SANDYSasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any arrests have now been made in connection with the attack on a constabulary patrol near Clonboo, on 1st February, 1912, when Sergeant Driscoll was shot at and wounded; and what is the condition of the injured man?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)No arrests have been made in this case. The injury to Sergeant Driscoll was slight, and it was not necessary for him to absent himself from duty.
§ Mr. SANDYSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is quite unable to take any effective steps to put an end to those shooting outrages in various parts of Ireland, which now appear to be of almost daily occurrence?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWe are taking such effective steps as are within our reach to prevent occurrences of this kind. If the hon. Member is acquainted, as I have no doubt he is, with the area of Irish land, he will know that it is impossible for police officers to be stationed everywhere to prevent people shooting from behind hedges.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTCan the right hon. Gentleman state in what part of Ireland rifles are being imported?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWe are keeping a careful eye on the importation of weapons from abroad, and some day, perhaps, some revelations may be made on the subject.