§ Mr. DONOVANasked why, in view of the fact that the National Volunteers took no part in the recent rebellion, members of that body are prohibited from holding their drill parades and meetings; and whether he will consider, in conjunction with Sir John Maxwell, the advisability of removing the restrictions in force preventing the National Volunteers from engaging in drill exercises, holding shooting competitions and meetings, and generally enjoying the rights of ordinary citizenship in operation before the recent outbreak in Dublin?
§ Mr. DUKEI am of opinion that it would not be right at the present time to authorise drilling in Ireland by any persons who are not enlisted by the authority of the Crown.
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§ Mr. DONOVANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that in cases where the National Volunteers voluntarily handed over their arms as a guarantee of good faith to the authorities in Ireland immediately following the rebellion in Dublin and on the distinct assurance that they would be returned after the lapse of a reasonable time, the military and police authorities have declined in many cases to allow such arms to be handed back to the individual members of the National Volunteers to whom they belong; and whether he will issue instructions to secure that the undertaking given to the National Volunteers is redeemed by the restoration of such arms to their rightful owners?
§ Mr. DUKEArms were voluntarily handed over in the manner mentioned. The question of the reasonable time for their return is one for the discretion of the military authorities, in whose custody the arms are.