HC Deb 11 April 1918 vol 104 cc1615-6
12. Mr. P. MEEHAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that Mr. Norris Goddard, Crown solicitor, Carlow, in the public Press, stated, in connection with the recent trouble and baton charges in Carlow town, that the Volunteers, so far from keeping order, interfered with people in the streets and assaulted some of them in an uncalled-for manner; if he is aware that this statement is unfounded and calculated to arouse bitter feelings amongst the people in the county where this gentleman assists in the administration of the law; and if he can state why this unwarranted statement was allowed to appear in the public Press while a plain statement of the facts written by a Catholic clergyman, unconnected with any political party in Ireland, who was an eye-witness, was refused publication in the Irish Press by the Censor?

Mr. DUKE

I have not seen the publication made by Mr. Norris Goddard and do not know the facts of the case. I assume that a gentleman of Mr. Goddard's position stated the facts according to his belief. The Censor informs me that the statement which he prohibited was a statement which violated De-fence of the Realm Regulation 27 in that it was likely to cause disaffection.

Mr. KILBRIDE

Has the right hon. Gentleman acquainted himself with the records since 1880 of Mr. Norris Goddard, and does he know that, owing to that political record and the part he took in 1881 and subsequent years, his report his bound to be politically prejudiced?

Mr. DUKE

I naturally do not know about these ancient political records in Ireland, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman will recognise that everyone who knows will judge the statement accordingly, whether the record is on one side or the other

Mr. KILBRIDE

As nobody in England is acquainted with this gentleman's record, if there is any report of these matters published in the papers here will the right hon. Gentleman take care to see that it comes from an impartial source?

Mr. DUKE

As the hon. Member knows, I have always endeavoured in reference to-anything in the nature of sensational statements purporting to come from Ireland to make sure that they are accurate.

Mr. KILBRIDE

I have to acknowledge that that is so.