Colonel NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary whether he can give the approximate number of modern fire-arms of all descriptions which by the orders of the Lord Lieutenant were surrendered by the civil population to the civil or military authorities in Ireland; is he aware that persons who hold receipts from these authorities for the arms they have surrendered are now informed that all these arms have been given to the Republican or Provisional Governments, and that they must look to one or other of these bodies to have them returned; and what action does he propose to take to endeavour to get such persons restored their lawful property?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am unable at such short notice to furnish the information asked for in the first part of the question. With regard to the latter part, these arms have not been surrendered, as suggested in the question, and their early return to their owners is at present under consideration.