HC Deb 22 April 1920 vol 128 cc535-7
10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a crowd of civilians, including women and children, was fired upon by soldiers and police in the streets of Milltown Malbay, County Clare, on the night of Wednesday, 14th April; whether three men were killed and a number of persons wounded; whether the crowd were celebrating the release of political prisoners on hunger strike from Mountjoy Prison and had lighted a bonfire; why the crowd was interfered with by the military and police; what warning was given before fire was opened; and whether there will be an inquiry into this episode?

Mr. HENRY

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given to questions asked on this subject yesterday, and to the Debate on the Adjournment on Monday last.

Lieut. -Commander KENWORTHY

Why was this crowd interfered with at all; why was any attempt made on this particular occasion to break this crowd up?

Mr. HENRY

I dealt with that question as fully as time permitted in the Debate on the Adjournment, and I answered two questions asked by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. O'Connor) also on the subject.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is there going to be an inquiry into this whole episode?

Mr. PALMER

May I ask whether this occurred in Hull or in Ireland?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I have an answer?

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether an inquiry is going to take place, in view of the fact that most responsible people have declared that the whole information which has been supplied to the right hon. Gentleman, and which he has given to the House as the Government's answer, is a series of falsehoods?

HON. MEMBERS

No, no!

Mr. DEVLIN

I repeat, a series of false-hoods, and I want to know whether an impartial inquiry will be set up to probe this thing to the bottom?

HON. MEMBERS

No, no!

Mr. DEVLIN

What are you afraid of? Are you afraid of letting the country know the real truth?

Mr. HENRY

The inquest which is being held on these men has not yet concluded, and the whole matter will be considered by the Irish Government.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

On a point of Order. May I inquire, with reference to a question asked by the hon. Member for Wrekin (Mr. Palmer), whether Members are here only to look after the interests of their own constituencies, or whether they are here to ask questions affecting the credit of the whole country? I would like your ruling in view of the sympathetic cheers.