HC Deb 20 February 1918 vol 103 cc747-8
80. Mr. KEATING

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will personally make inquiries into the alleged raids for obsolete firearms in various parts of Ireland, with the object of ascertaining why it is that in no case have the raiders been arrested; and will he take special notice of the fact that the opinion is held in responsible quarters that these alleged raids are bogus and are organised for the purpose of creating a false impression in Great Britain?

Mr. DUKE

I have had before me the evidence relating to most of the offences to which the question relates. The hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that raiders have not been arrested. Arrests have been made in respect of eight cases. I know of no responsible quarter in which these offences are supposed to be got up-for the purposes of affecting British, opinion. They have been in some instances the result of direct incitements, for which persons have been, or are beings made accountable.