asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on whose instructions or with whose permission, Constable Murray, stationed at Rathowen, Westmeath, shouts offensively at Irish Volunteers, and took off his belt to strike one of them at Multyfarnham on the 8th inst., and again at Rathowen later on the same day; whether any account he has given of this conduct has been compared with an independent statement of the facts; and what steps are being taken to prevent the provocative conduct complained of?

I am informed that there is no foundation for the allegations contained in the question.

May I ask by whom the right hon. Gentleman is informed?

I made careful inquiries into the matter and I have been informed.

asked if a circular has been issued giving instructions to county police inspectors to collect information regarding the Irish Volunteers and the Ulster Volunteers; and, if so, what action is proposed to be taken when the particulars asked for are obtained?

It is the duty of the responsible police authorities to keep themselves informed of all movements in the country which may possibly affect the public peace. With this object, information has been sought by the Inspector-General as regards both the Irish and Ulster Volunteers. Any orders issued with this object are necessarily of a confidential nature.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of my question?

No, Sir. Any action that may be taken will be taken without communication with the hon. Member.

Is the House going to be informed afterwards of what is going to be done in the matter?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War the names of the military stations in Ireland outside Ulster; the number of troops, respectively, in charge of each; and whether they are efficiently protected against a raid by Nationalist Volunteers?

As regards the first two branches of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Army List. As regards the last branch, I am informed that efficient protection is available for all likely contingencies.