§ Lieut.-Colonel ALLEN asked the Prime Minister whether, during the recent disturbances in Londonderry, five men, who were protecting a post office, were arrested, fined, and bound over to keep the peace; whether a priest and two men were also arrested and ammunition found in their possession, and were allowed to go free; and whether, when the Government have not been, or may not in the future be, able to protect Government buildings or other property, or the lives of Irish citizens, it is to be the recognised policy of His Majesty's Government to proceed against loyalists who, in defence of life and attacks against property, take up arms for the protection of the same against rebels who have declared a republic, and who are terrorising peaceable citizens, burning and destroying property, and who are or may be guilty of the foulest murders?
§ Mr. HENRY: It is true that five men were arrested by a military patrol with rifles and ammunition in their possession, and stated they were Ulster Volunteers protecting the local post office. They had no permit for the rifles and ammunition, and their possession of these arms was at the time a source of grave danger to the peace of the city. They pleaded guilty, and were fined at Petty Sessions. It is also true that a priest and three men (ex-soldiers) were arrested, and that ammunition only was found with the clergyman and one of the men. The latter was charged with the offence, and also fined at Petty Sessions. No charge 1681W was made against the priest because the local police authorities were satisfied with his explanation, and because throughout the severe outbreaks and firing of the preceding days he had rendered the police great assistance, and at grave risk to himself had rescued two policemen who had been set upon by a mob and beaten. The Government exercised no unfair discrimination as between the rival parties in Londonderry, and it cannot admit any right on the part of either side to carry arms without a permit.