HC Deb 20 July 1916 vol 84 cc1165-6
18. Mr. FIELD

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the shooting of Malachy Brennan by soldiers in Capel Street; whether he has received statements of fact concerning this case; and whether he will have a public inquiry into the matter?

20. Mr. F. MEEHAN

asked whether an impartial inquiry will be held into the action of a company of one Sherwood Foresters, under command of Captain Jackson, in destroying property to the value of £15 on the night of the 13th May last while in forcible possession of St. Clare's Hall, Manorhamilton, county Leitrim, having regard to the fact that a number of independent witnesses are prepared to give sworn testimony that the damage was done while the military were in sole possession and that it could not have been done by outsiders; and whether the temperance society to whom the property belonged will be compensated for the damage sustained?

134. Mr. WATT

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the Bedfordshire branch of the Farmers' Union wrote to his Department calling attention to the fact that one of their members had been threatened with arrest for protesting against the destruction of his crops by soldiers, when immediately adjoining was grass land which could have been utilised, and giving full particulars of the name of the officer and his unit, at the same time stating that they had been unable to get any satisfaction from the officer commanding the Signal Service Training Centre at Woburn; and, if so, will he say what action was taken by his Department in dealing with the Farmers' Union and in dealing with the officer involved?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

Inquiry into both these matters has been instituted, and to save time and to avoid delay the hon. Gentlemen will receive the results by letter as soon as they are received.

Mr. FIELD

Will there be any publication of the proceedings at the trial?

Mr. FORSTER

As soon as information is received it will be sent out.

Mr. F. MEEHAN

Will independent evidence be taken?

Mr. FORSTER

I cannot answer that.