§ 15. Mr. FITZPATRICKasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if lie is aware that agriculturists in Queen's County find it impossible to procure the usual supply of gun cartridges necessary for the protection of their crops against rooks, wood pigeons, and vermin, which are destructive to growing crops at the present time: if he is aware that local licensed dealers in such ammunition find it impossible to get the necessary supplies; and whether he will make arrangements for a sufficient supply being made available?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)I am informed that farmers in Queen's County have not been refused permits to purchase a reasonable supply of cartridges for the protection of their crops from birds and vermin, and that there is no scarcity of such ammunition. Manufacturers' supplies are short, and I under- 1261 stand that in some cases they have been unable to deal with orders, but that necessary supplies can be obtained.