§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)asked the Irish Secretary whether, having regard to the fact that the appeal in the claim for damages for malicious injury made by Lord Ashtown in respect of the explosion at Glenahiery, had now been disposed of, and having regard to the fact that the only issue in that appeal was the question of malice, the Government would now institute a searching public inquiry into all the circumstances surrounding this case, with the view of discovering the guilty parties.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Irish Government are not at present in possession, of any information which would justify the belief that a public inquiry upon oath would secure proof of any facts which would lead to the discovery of the guilty parties. Such information, may, however, be hereafter forthcoming, and whenever it is we shall be perfectly willing to take the steps most likely to discover the real authors of this outrage.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDIn view of the fact that the circumstances 1327 connected with, this outrage are surrounded by a cloud of suspicion, and that insinuations of all sorts have been made, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, in the interests of the public as well as of individuals, a full inquiry ought to be held?
§ MR. BIRRELLI wish I could attach the same importance as the hon. Member to the results which must follow from a public sworn inquiry. If I thought there were any facts which we could lay before such a body which would result in the removal of these insinuations, I should be the very first to adopt the suggestion. We are watching to see whether such information can be obtained, but a public sworn inquiry by itself is no certain instrument for the discovery of truth.
§ MR. BYLESIs the right hon. Gentleman keeping in mind the fact that this gentleman is the author of a publication called "Grievances from Ireland"?
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDIf the right hon. Gentleman thinks a discussion in this House would be unsatisfactory, is it not desirable to have a tribunal which could hold a public inquiry?
§ MR. BIRRELLI will consider what the hon. Member says, but I do not see what the reference to this inquiry would be or what evidence could be laid before it which is not already before the public. Some day soon we may become possessed of further facts which would enable a public inquiry to be of some utility, and not merely a means of spending public money.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDIf the Government maintains that attitude it will be necessary for us to raise the whole question in this House.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDI hope you will move for an inquiry. I will second the Motion.