83. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has received any information as to an attempted attack by a body of Irish National Volunteers on the residence of Captain Moore, near Londonderry, when the situation was so serious as to make it necessary for Colonel Johnstone, a resident magistrate, to take a body of police to Molenan to disperse the volunteers; and whether any arrests have been made in connection with the matter?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The hon. Member has been misinformed. The police report that on Sunday afternoon, the 21st June, a number of the Irish Volunteers assembled, and proceeded to their usual drill field near Captain Moore's residence. The resident magistrate was not present, and no arrests were made. No disorder of any sort occurred, nor was any attack made or attempted on the residence of Captain Moore.
Mr. F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reply he has given 368 is diametrically opposed to the facts already stated?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir, it is not diametrically opposed, but is exactly in accordance with the police reports.
84. Mr. F. HALLasked the Chief Secretary if he has received any representations on behalf of the provisional committee of the National Volunteers that the arms proclamation may be withdrawn; and what steps are proposed to be taken in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir.