HC Deb 26 June 1919 vol 117 cc312-3
19. Major NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has any information to give the House relative to the reported murder in cold blood of a district-inspector of the Royal Irish Constabulary at Thurles, county Tipperary, on his return from a local race meeting?

Mr. SAMUELS

Hon. Members arc already aware through the Press of the wilful murder of District - Inspector Michael Hunt, of Thurles, who died within a few minutes of receiving two revolver bullet wounds in the back whilst returning through the streets of the town from Thurles races about 5.30 p.m. on 23rd instant. The murderer has not been identified, but every effort is being made to trace and bring him to justice.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Will the right hon. Gentleman also cause to be conveyed to the House of Commons full particulars of the twenty-seven murders which have taken place in Great Britain during the last month?

HON. MEMBERS

Oh, oh !

Mr. SAMUELS

No, Sir. That is a very different matter.

Mr. MacVEAGH

It is only Irish cases that matter.

Major NEWMAN

Are the Irish Government doing all they can to help this sorely tried body?

Mr. SAMUELS

Yes, and they will continue to do so.

Sir E. CARSON

Is it not a fact that when the murder was committed the people standing about jeered at the man when he was dying?

Mr. SAMUELS

I have seen such a statement in the newspapers, and I believe it was stated in the evidence at the inquest.