HC Deb 22 April 1920 vol 128 cc534-5
9. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the finding of the coroner's jury on the murder of the late Lord Mayor of Cork, Alderman Thomas MacCurtain; whether the Government have proofs that this gentleman was murdered by a secret society; and, if so, why this evidence was not brought forward at the inquest on the deceased?

Mr. HENRY

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to his previous question on this subject.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask whether that reply given to my previous question was that nothing could be done because the case was sub judice? Now the inquest is over, may I have a reply as to why the evidence that this late Mr. MacCurtain was murdered by a secret society was not produced before the coroner's inquest?

Mr. HENRY

I regret that I cannot give my hon. and gallant Friend any further information, as it is a matter affecting the public service.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Then may I have an answer as to the public reasons why this evidence was not produced before the inquest?

Mr. HENRY

I regret I cannot give my hon. and gallant Friend any further information.

Mr. DEVLIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why Lord French, after his interview with a representative of the "Daily Express," having given evidence to a newspaper correspondent in this country, did not give that information, which he gave to the "Daily Express" correspondent, in Court before the only tribunal that was capable of determining this matter?

Mr. HENRY

My only information on the subject is derived from the public Press, and from the same source I have observed that a controversy exists on the matter.

Mr. BILLING

Is it a fact that Lord French is not returning to Ireland?

Captain REDMOND

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the persons indicted by the coroner's jury are to be brought to trial?

Mr. HENRY

I am awaiting the official report of the evidence before the coroner's jury, and I will consider the question.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of discussing this matter?

Mr. HENRY

That is not a matter for me.

Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

May I ask whether it is in order for Ministers of the Crown who have been accused of wilful murderߞ

HON. MEMBERS

Order, order!

Mr. DEVLIN

Is it in order for hon. Members to prevent us getting at the truth on this question?

Mr. SPEAKER

Hon. Members have had a very fair chance.