§ 15. Earl WINTERTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if an inquiry will be held into the circumstances surrounding the overpowering of His Majesty's Coastguards by armed desperadoes in the South of Ireland; and what steps, if any, he has taken to protect public property under the charge of the Admiralty in Ireland?
§ Mr. LONGIn all cases in which attacks are made on Coastguard stations the circumstances are investigated, and when the facts are in doubt inquiries are always held. Damage has been done to Coastguard buildings in isolated neighbourhoods, and the same difficulties occur in their protection as in the case of police barracks similarly situated. Every possible step is being taken to protect Coastguard stations, but it is not advisable to make public the measures taken. There is a guard of Royal Marines to protect naval establishments at Queenstown.