HC Deb 11 October 1916 vol 86 cc89-91
Mr. LUNDON

(by Private Notice): I beg to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any investigation has yet been held into the charges made by Mr. John MacNeill against Major Price, and, if so, whether he is in a position to state the nature of the inquiry and the result; and whether any evidence has been sought for from Mr. MacNeill, and what further steps he proposes to take?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)

Immediately after the adjournment of the House in August I made the fullest inquiry of which the circumstances admitted into the allegations in question. I satisfied myself that the charges were in fact made as had been represented. I saw various persons who were likely to have direct or indirect knowledge, and myself examined Major Price. Major Price denied the charges absolutely and categorically, and, after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the charges, the explicit denial of them, and all other available information, I came to the conclusion that no further action ought to be taken.

Mr. LUNDON

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to say whether he sought any evidence from Mr. MacNeill?

Mr. DUKE

The hon. Member produced in the House a statement which purported to have been made by Mr. MacNeill. I satisfied myself that it was made, and I proceeded on the basis of that statement.

Mr. DEVLIN

Did Major Price visit Mr. MacNeill in prison? Did the right hon. Gentleman satisfy himself on that point?

Mr. DUKE

I did. It was the fact.

Mr. DEVLIN

Did he visit Mr. MacNeill?

Mr. DUKE

I said it was the fact.

Mr. DEVLIN

I do not quite understand. Did Major Price visit Mr. MacNeill in prison while he was awaiting trial?

Mr. DUKE

Yes.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

For what purpose?

Mr. DILLON

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he will give an opportunity for the discussion of the Motion standing in my name, claiming the release of all untried Irish political prisoners?

The PRIME MINISTER

I will consider that.

Mr. DEVLIN

Did Major Price tell the right hon. Gentleman what was the purpose of his visit to Mr. MacNeill?

Mr. DUKE

I saw Major Price and inquired whether he had visited Mr. MacNeill, He informed me that he had, and that the purpose was that which fell within his province as an officer directed to obtain information in regard to the rising—to obtain any information that Mr. MacNeill was willing to give him.

Mr. DEVLIN

Arising out of that answer, I now desire to ask the Prime Minister whether he will grant a sworn inquiry into all the circumstances of this matter?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must have notice of that.

Mr. HAZLETON

As a third person—Sergeant Jones—was mentioned in Mr. MacNeill's statement, has the Chief Secretary or the Irish Government had any communication with Sergeant Jones for his version of the affair?

Mr. DUKE

I must have notice of that question. Seven or eight weeks ago, at the instance of the hon. Member who very properly put the question to me, I undertook to make as full an inquiry as I could into this matter. To the best of my ability and with the assistance at my disposal I have made as full an inquiry as I think could be made. When I asked for notice of the question: whether the Irish Government had had communication with a particular person—I can only say that the diversity of Irish affairs is such that I do not carry every detail in my mind.

Mr. HAZLETON

Is it not the fact that in the statement by Mr. MacNeill, read in this House, it was stated that a Sergeant Jones was a party to this proposal with Major Price, and that if he were brought before him Mr. MacNeill could identify this sergeant?

Mr. DUKE

I do not think it was so stated in the statement read in the House, [HON. MEMBERS: "Yes, it was."] Hon. Members are speaking from their recollection; I am sure the House will believe that I am speaking from mine. My recollection is that there was not such a statement as gave a means of testing, as the hon. Member suggests. But if it is desired to ask a further question about the matter, I shall inquire; and if it is desired to follow it up on any reasonable ground, certainly I shall not flinch from following it up.

Mr. DEVLIN

May I ask the Prime Minister, as the honour and lives of Members of this House are involved in this matter, whether he is prepared to appoint a Select Committee of the House of Commons to inquire into these charges?

The PRIME MINISTER

As this is all quite new to me, I must ask for notice.

Mr. DEVLIN

I am very much surprised.