asked the Minister for Defence if he will expedite the return of, or pay compensation for, the loss of a double-barrelled breach-loading sporting gun, value £12 12s., taken up by Sergeant Birch, R.I.C., from Mr. Denis Cullen, Umeras Peat, Ltd., Monasterevan, Co. Kildare, on the 10th October, 1918; further, whether he is aware that the Chief Ordnance Officer, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, states that the gun has been handed over to the Ordnance Department, Island Bridge Barracks, Dublin.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - LOSS OF SPORTING GUN.
I was not aware of the statement ascribed by the Deputy to the Chief Ordnance Officer at Woolwich Arsenal. Efforts have been made to trace Mr. Cullen's gun, but without success. As to compensation for its loss, Mr. Cullen should communicate with the Under-Secretary of State, Home Office, London.
The Chief Ordnance Officer in Woolwich Arsenal, in his letter of the 21st July, 1925, states:—"I am directed to acknowledge receipt of letter dated 17th instant and to inform you the Chief Ordnance Officer, Dublin, has been requested to inspect the double-barrelled breach-loading gun held by him, which must be your property. He has been requested to send an immediate reply, and you will be duly notified of the result when received." How does that square with your information?
My information is that we have not the gun in our possession.
It was handed over to your Department.