HC Deb 09 May 1901 vol 93 cc1138-9
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state on what grounds was the house of General De Wet set on fire and burnt to the ground by British troops; and by whom was the order given to fire this house.

MR. BRODRICK

General De Wet's house was burned in June last, because it was considered by the military authorities to be necessary in order to prevent the railway line being destroyed. The line had been cut in close proximity to the farm.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly give an assurance that De Wet's family will not be destroyed too?

MR. TULLY (Leitrim, S.)

How many times has the railway been cut since?

[No answer was returned.]