HC Deb 27 June 1918 vol 107 cc1197-8
7. Major NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the arrest recently of two men as well-known leaders of the Irish Republican movement in the district of Nenagh who were employed in the county surveyor's office in that town; and will he say what steps he is taking to ensure that no Irish Civil servants who are paid out of Imperial funds are active and avowed supporters of the revolutionary movement in Ireland?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Samuels)

I have seen reports as to the arrests of the persons referred to; they are employés in the county surveyor's office, and are not Civil servants. Proceedings have been taken against them. With regard to the latter part of the question of the hon. and gallant Member, a Civil servant who was an active and avowed supporter of the revolutionary movement in Ireland would not be retained in the public service.

Major NEWMAN

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether a single Irish Civil servant has been dismissed his position because he is an avowed revolutionary? Can I have an answer?

Mr. SPEAKER

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give notice? It is obviously a question which the Attorney-General cannot possibly answer without notice. It requires immense research.

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