§ 42. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary (1) why Mrs. Sheehy Skeffington was not allowed to fetch away the body of her murdered husband, which lay on the floor of an outhouse in the Portobello Barracks all day long on 26th April; why was a similar request allowed in the case of another of Captain Colthurst's victims; why was the body hurriedly buried and the widow never officially notified; and what was the first date on which any officer, except Major Sir Francis Vane, reported that Captain Colthurst was insane or suspected of insanity; and (2) whether before Mr. Sheehy Skeffington was murdered on 26th April he requested that he might have a trial; why was that request not complied with; whether he is aware that Mr. Sheehy Skeffington requested that he might be allowed to see his wife before he died; and why was this request refused, seeing that the relatives of men condemned by courts-martial were allowed to see the convicts before execution?
§ Mr. FORSTERI venture again to suggest to the hon. Member that many, if not most, of the points raised in this question and the next, which I will answer at the same time, are sub judice, and it would therefore be improper for me to express any opinion at this stage. It has been, as the hon. Member is well aware, freely admitted that there was much that was regrettable in connection with this episode of the rebellion, but I suggest that, now that an inquiry has been granted, nothing is to be gained by action or by words which might tend to create prejudice either one way or the other.
Mr. HEALYWhy was Sir Francis Vane dismissed? Was it because he belonged to the National Liberal Club?
Mr. NUGENTWill this inquiry also include the cases of the other people who were shot by Captain Colthurst and by those acting under his instructions?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe Prime Minister tells me that will be so.