HC Deb 07 November 1918 vol 110 cc2273-4
21. Mr. KING

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is by his orders that four motor-cycles have been seized from various persons in New Market, county Cork; that the local rate collector is not allowed to use his machine; that on a school teacher living at a distance from his work a like restriction is placed, and also on the Excise and Customs officer, who has a radius of 15 miles to work; whereas he is aware that these restrictions are applied to loyal persons, not Sinn Feiners; and whether the seizure of the Excise officer's machine was made after consulting the Revenue authorities?

Mr. SHORTT

Three motor bicycles have been seized from persons in New Market, where permits were refused. The local rate collector has not been interfered with. A permit was refused to a school teacher who lives six miles from his school, and his bicycle seized. A permit was also refused to the local Excise and Customs officer, and his bicycle seized. Restrictions are not applied to loyal persons. The Excise authorities were not consulted before seizure of the Excise officer's bicycle. This action is taken in pursuance of powers granted to the police under the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

Mr. KING

Does not that answer imply that the Excise officer collecting money is not a loyal person?

Mr SHORTT

It implies what it says.

Mr. KING

Is he collecting it for the Sinn Feiners or for the Irish Government?