asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he is aware that, during the year 1918, shot guns were taken by the R.I.C. from a large number of people in Westmeath and Longford, to whom they gave receipts for those guns, so seized. Further, as those guns were used for the protection of crops, will the Minister state if they will be returned; or, if not, will persons holding receipts be compensated.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question by Deputy Wilson on 8th June, on the subject of shot guns. If, when arrangements have been completed for the return of guns surrendered to the British forces by the civil population, it is found that there are cases where the guns cannot be traced it will be open to the owners to make application for compensation.

Will the Minister say whether these people will be entitled to get permits? There are a great many people who have those guns which they use for the purpose of slaughtering cattle, and there are a great many people who want these guns. As well as giving them compensation will you give them a permit to get a new gun?

The whole matter of regulation for the control of fire-arms is at present the subject of consideration between my Department and the Ministry of Defence. The regulations are not complete, and the Defence Ministry does not at the moment take the view that the matter of the control of fire-arms is one for a Civil Department.