§ 90. Earl WINTERTONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if any Crown jewels have been received either by gift or purchase in place of those stolen from Dublin Castle in 1907?
§ Earl WINTERTONAre we to understand that at the present time, officially speaking, there are no Crown Jewels?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo Crown Jewels that have been stolen have been replaced.
§ 91. Earl WINTERTONasked the Chief Secretary whether Mr. Kane, at that time inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of Scotland Yard, who was sent to confer with the Dublin Castle authorities at the time of the theft of the Crown Jewels in 1907, specified to those authorities any person or persons who in his opinion were likely to be concerned in the stealing or receiving of those Crown Jewels; and, if so, have steps been taken to watch the subsequent careers of those persons?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir. As I have already stated Inspector Kane did not indicate to the authorities any person likely to be concerned in the stealing or receiving of the Crown Jewels, and as stated by him in his evidence before the Committee of Inquiry, he has always been in entire agreement with the Dublin Police that the theft was the work of some person or persons with intimate knowledge of the Office of Arms. No evidence on which a criminal charge could be based against any individual has ever been forthcoming.
§ Earl WINTERTONWas Inspector Kane's report withheld from the Committee of Investigation?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know how that could be. I can assure the Noble Lord that the answer I have given is exactly in accordance with the facts.
§ Earl WINTERTONWas the whole of the Inspector's report given to the Committee of Inquiry?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir. The Inspector was there himself to answer all questions asked, and to give a full account of the circumstances.