HC Deb 02 December 1920 vol 135 cc1424-5
Mr. O'CONNOR

I regret that the right hon. and learned Gentleman has not seen his way to put an end to this destruction of property which is going on now. May I ask whether cans of petroleum were found in the offices of the "Freeman's Journal," whether these cans were not Government property, whether any apology has been made to the staff of the "Irish Times" for the raid on their office, and gross discourtesy and menaces uttered by masked and armed servants of the Crown to these gentlemen? May I ask also whether visits were also paid in the same manner to the offices of the "Freeman's Journal" last night, and whether any apology has been made?

Mr. HENRY

I am unable to tell my hon. Friend as to any cans of petroleum being found in the offices of the "Freeman's Journal," but I imagine that very large quantities of Government petroleum have been stolen and captured. No apology has been made to the staff of the "Irish Times" for the raid on their offices for the simple reason that it is not admitted that masked and armed servants of the Crown had anything to do with it.

Mr. O'CONNOR

Did masked and armed men enter the offices of the "Irish Times"? That masked and armed men did enter cannot be denied. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member will resume his seat there would be an opportunity for an answer to be given.

Mr. O'CONNOR

I am sorry if I have been out of order by remaining on my feet so that my question could not be answered.

Mr. HENRY

The question was as to masked and armed servants of the Crown.

Mr. O'CONNOR

Is it suggested that there were any masked or armed men but servants of the Crown—[HON. MEMBERS: "Yes!"]—who came into the office on that occasion?

Mr. HENRY

Yes.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is it not a fact that this outrage took place after midnight when the curfew was in operation and no one was out except the military and the police?

Mr. HENRY

I wish I could be sure that the law as to the curfew hours was strictly obeyed?

Mr. MacVEAGH

Are you aware that if you were there yourself you would be shot?

Major O'NEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the commonest forms of offence in Ireland to-day are breaches of the curfew regulations?

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he went out himself his life would be in danger from the Black and Tans, and that is why he stays over here?