§ 5. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many permits to possess arms have been issued but not withdrawn in Ireland to date; how many of these permits are held by citizens of Londonderry; whether it is intended to withdraw these permits in view of recent outbreaks; and what progress has been made with the disarmament of the citizens of Londonderry?
§ The ATTORNEY - GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Henry)63,354 permits to possess arms have been issued and not withdrawn. 298 permits are held by citizens of Londonderry. The Government consider it highly undesirable at present to make any statement as to the matters raised in the latter part of the question except to say that no permits are now issued in Ireland except by the Competent Military Authority, and a strict revision of existing permits is in progress.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYSurely the right hon. Gentleman without giving away any official secrets can say whether it is intended to disarm the citizens of Londonderry or not.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it intended to withdraw these permits, and completely disarm all the citizens of Londonderry, in view of the fact that 100 people were killed in the recent riots?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThat is unsatisfactory.