HC Deb 02 December 1920 vol 135 cc1416-7
23. Mr. A. WILLIAMS

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his inquiries as to the attacks upon co-operative property in Ballintrillick, Ballymote, Nenagh, and Littleton, resulting in the destruction of the co-operative creameries in those places, are yet complete; and, if so, what are the facts as disclosed by those inquiries?

Mr. HENRY

I am informed that the inquiries are still proceeding in each of these cases and that the police have so far been unable to obtain information as to the persons who committed the attacks.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a month since these outrages were committed, and can he tell us how long it is likely to be before we are allowed to have the facts?

Mr. HENRY

My hon. Friend will realise that the duties of the persons who hold courts of inquiry are not limited to courts of inquiry. It is a very difficult thing indeed to expedite the work of these courts, having regard to the multifarious duties imposed upon them.

Lieut-Commander KENWORTHY

Did not the police burn these places themselves?

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are hundreds and thousands of people in this country anxious to get the exact facts, and will he help us to get them?

Mr. HENRY

Certainly, and nobody is more anxious to get the exact facts than the Government.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these long delays produce the impression that there is, no desire to make the facts known?

Mr. HENRY

It is unavoidable.