§ Sir W. BYLESI desire to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland a question of which I have given him private notice: Whether he has any official confirmation of the published reports of fresh gun-running out- 917 rages in Ulster, and whether any, and, if any, what action the Government is taking in the matter?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)I have read in the newspapers this afternoon various reports of certain alleged occurrences, or apprehended occurrences, and all I can say is, so far as those reports contain any statement of alleged facts, I have no reason to believe that such facts exist.
§ Sir W. BYLESCan the right hon. Gentleman give the country any assurance, any credible assurance, that His Majesty's Government are strong enough and resolute enough to put down flagrant and open rebellion?
§ Mr. PIRIEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the hon. Member for Salford's newly-born taste for bloodshedding, he will consider the desirability of replacing Sir Nevil Macready and nominating my hon. Friend in his place?