asked the Minister for Defence if he will expedite the return to Mr. Wm. Clarke, Morton's Lane, Wicklow, of a gun, his property, taken by the R.I.C., and which it is now believed to be at the Chief Ordnance Office, Island Bridge Barracks, Dublin.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - GUN TAKEN BY R.I.C.
Mr. Clarke was requested on the 27th February last by the Chief Ordnance Officer, Island Bridge Barracks, Dublin, to forward the receipt given by the R.I.C. for the gun, and also a firearm licence authorising him to possess the gun now. He does not appear to have furnished a reply to the request. Pending its receipt, it is not practicable to return his gun.
In a case where a person is unable to produce a receipt from the R.I.C., what methods remain by which he can establish his claim?
There are other methods of establishing the ownership of a gun. I think an affidavit, and a guarantee, I suppose, from some person would establish a good claim, if the gun is there; that is so far as the military is concerned. If the gun is given to a person other than the rightful owner, the military are liable to a claim in respect of disposing of it to anyone other than the owner. There are no unusual or very difficult conditions laid down other than establishing the ownership.
In this case the person has already given the serial number of his gun, and the gun has been traced to Island Bridge Barracks, but he is unable to produce the R.I.C. receipt for reasons that it is unnecessary to explain.
I will undertake to look into that question.