HC Deb 11 May 1916 vol 82 cc884-5
5. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will cause a sworn inquiry to be held to inquire into the death of F. Sheehy-Skeffington, Dublin, and James M'Cartney, manager to the Lord Mayor of Dublin, who with three others met his death at 27, North King Street, Dublin, during the rising in Easter week; and if he will take steps to compensate the widows for the loss they have sustained through the deaths of their husbands?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister yesterday in answer to the hon. Member for East Mayo. The inquiry is now being held.

Mr. BYRNE

May I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the second part of the question, which asks if a sworn inquiry will be held into the death of this man, M'Cartney, and three others, and will their widows be compensated?

Mr. SAMUEL

I am not in a position to make any statement at present as to compensation.

Mr. KING

In justice to the other officers who are suspected in connection with this case, can we have the name of the officer who is under arrest?

Mr. SAMUEL

I am not aware of the name of the officer. I have no doubt it will appear in Court.

79. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken, with a view to further proceedings, to identify the officer who ordered or the men who obeyed the order to shoot Mr. Sheehy Skeffington dead on his way to his home near Dublin on Tuesday evening, 25th April; and whether those responsible have been identified?

Mr. TENNANT

I cannot at present add anything to what was stated in regard to this matter yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Mr. GINNELL

The Prime Minister did not say whether the men as well as the officer were identified. Is that known yet?

Mr. TENNANT

I cannot say.

Mr. KING

In justice to those officers who might come under suspicion in connection with this event, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the name of this officer might not be properly given?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is asking the same question as that asked about a quarter of an hour ago.