§ 51. Mr. DILLONasked the Prime Minister when the promised inquiry into the shootings in North King Street, 660 Dublin, will take place; and whether he can give the names of the Commissioners and the terms of reference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI undertook that these cases should be carefully investigated, but there has never been any promise of a public inquiry. Accordingly after all the available evidence had been secured Courts of Inquiry were held and the witnesses examined. The conclusion arrived at after a full hearing in all the cases was that the deaths occurred in the course of continuous and desperate street and house-to-house fighting which lasted for nearly two days, and in which the soldiers were constantly exposed to sniping from the windows and roofs of the houses. There can be little doubt that some men who were not taking an actual part in the fighting were in the course of the struggle killed by both rebels and soldiers. But after careful inquiry it is impossible to bring home responsibility to any particular person or body of persons. I have myself read the evidence taken by the Courts of Inquiry. I am of opinion that further inquiry would not be likely to lead to any different result.
§ Mr. DILLONArising out of that answer, is it not a fact that the inquiries were conducted in secret by the military, who were incriminated, or the parties charged in regard to these alleged shootings of non-combatants; has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the wide prevalence of sinister and horrible rumours in the City of Dublin; and does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that a full, impartial, and public inquiry would be desirable, both in the interests of peace and good feeling in Ireland, and the honour of the British Army?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can only say, having, in the past, had much experience in these matters, and having read the proceedings of the Court of Inquiry, that I do not think that any partiality of any kind was shown. The evidence was collected, not only by the military, but by the police, and other persons, and everybody concerned was voluntarily invited to attend. If I thought truth could be elucidated, or responsibility brought home, by any further Court of Inquiry, I should, not only in the interests of the country, but of the Army, be anxious that such inquiry should be held. I have come to the conclusion I I have done after very careful weighing of 661 the facts, and I do not believe that any further inquiry would lead to any different conclusion.
§ Mr. DILLONWill the right hon. Gentleman make public the evidence and proceedings of these tribunals?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will consider that, certainly.
§ Mr. PETOIs it not obvious that the responsibility really rests with the rebels who raised this rebellion?