§ 6. Major NEWMANasked the 2hief Secretary for Ireland whether any intimation has been given to the Irish Press that references to, or description of, raids for arms and the rescue of military deserters by organised bands of sympathisers are. not to appear; and, if so, will he give the reason for the intimation?
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEAre these people in Ireland who are in possession of arms loyalists who imported arms from Germany in 1914?
§ 7. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the systematic disarming of loyalists that is taking place in many districts by means of raids of small parties of armed and masked men, who demand and appropriate arms in the name of the Irish Army; whether amongst other places raids have lately taken place at Kinvarra, Rocklawn, Ennis, and Bansha; and what action does lie propose to take?
§ Mr. DUKENumerous cases of midnight attacks on isolated dwelling-houses by parties of men searching for arms have lately been reported. In some instances the assailants have been put to flight by the inmates. Certain arrests have been made, and the Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabularly has directed various preventive measures.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEAre not the loyalists referred to in the question in possession of arms? Is not that in contravention of the law, and are not these guns that were imported in 1914 from Germany?
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEOf course it has!
§ Mr. DUKEA considerable number highly respectable people in Ireland, in conformity with the law, have weapons of various kinds, some old and some modern.
§ Mr. DUKEI am not sure that they have guns which come from foreign sources. I do not think they have, but the raids complained of were made on law-abiding people by other persons who are minded to break the law, and every step that can be taken is being taken to prevent it.