§ 11. Mr. KILEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Firearms Act has been put into operation in Ireland; and whether he can state how many certificates have been granted in respect of German rifles and how many German rifles have been seized and prosecutions taken in respect of the illegal possession of these rifles?
§ Mr. HENRYIn order to allow sufficient time to set up the administrative machinery required to carry out the Act, an Order has been made under which the provisions of the Firearms Act will not come into operation in Ireland until 1st December next. The Regulations made under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act contain adequate power to deal with the unauthorised possession of firearms in Ireland. I cannot say, without making special inquiry, how many of the firearms seized in Ireland are of German origin, and I do not feel that the results would justify the labour involved in making such an inquiry.