§ 17. Mr. HUGH LAWasked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that on the night of the 27th April, Colonel Huddleston, Drumaboden, Kilmacrenan, county Donegal, when returning from an Ulster Volunteer drill, was met by some children who shouted Home Rule; whether Colonel Huddleston then produced a revolver and pointed it at them, 2119 shouting to them to come on; whether a sergeant of police found it necessary to intervene; and whether the Government propose to take any action to discourage the carrying of arms on the public roads?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe facts are generally as stated, but the gentleman referred to is a Mr. Huddleston, a retired Indian Civil servant. When unlicensed persons are found carrying arms proceedings are taken against them, but there is no power to prevent persons with a licence from carrying arms.
Mr. W. A. REDMONDWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether his licence will be taken away from this person who has behaved in such a manner on the King's highway?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir. He seems certainly a very foolish person, and, if I were to deprive him of his arms, I should think it would be a great advantage to the community.
§ Mr. BIRRELLIt would be.