HC Deb 27 February 1919 vol 112 cc1936-8
28. Mr. MOLES

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Report of the inquiry held by Mr. Justice Dodd at Belfast upon the alleged treatment of Sinn Fein prisoners in Belfast goal has yet been received; and, if not, when it is expected to be available?

Mr. SAMUELS

The Chief Secretary has just received from Mr. Justice Dodd a Report of the inquiry recently held by him at Belfast under the Special Commission (Belfast Prison) Act, 1918.

Mr. MOLES

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House of the amount of monetary damage done by these men?

Mr. SAMUELS

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question if he wants that information.

58. Mr. LYNN

asked the Prime Minister whether he will advise His Majesty to appoint a Royal Commission or some other suitable body to inquire into the relations established and maintained during the War and since between the Sinn Fein movement and its leaders, and German and other alien enemies of the British Empire, and persons engaged in fomenting disturbances in Government dockyards, shipbuilding yards, factories, and industries within the United Kingdom engaged in producing war material, contrary to the Regulations made under the Statute of the Defence of the Realm and other Acts providing for the public safety?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Government do not think that any useful result would be secured by adopting my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. LYNN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is time the public knew of the facts with regard to the conspiracy?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is very desirable to know the facts, but I do not think that a Commission would be more successful than the ordinary departmental machinery.

Mr. LYNN

Will the Government prevent anything from being made public with regard to it?

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman appoint a Royal Commission to consider the relations between the Ulster Unionist party and the German Government before the War?

Sir E. CARSON

May I say that I shall support any such inquiry.

Mr. DEVLIN

In view of the unanimity of opinion—

Mr. SPEAKER

It s really time to stop these nonsensical bickerings.