§ 19. Mr. DONALDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a raid was made on Sligo prison about 2 a.m. on Saturday, 26th instant, by a party of masked and armed men, who rescued and carried off a Sinn Fein prisoner; whether the prison was entirely unprotected; whether the military guard has been withdrawn from the prison and, if so, will he say by whose orders the guard was withdrawn; whether he is aware that a number of unmarried officers, male end female, sleep in the prison, also a number of married officers with their wives and families live there entirely unprotected; and whether, seeing that those officers are not provided with any means of defence in case of a further attack on them, he will state what steps the Government propose to take to have those officers, their wives, and families properly protected in the future?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe raid and the consequent rescue of a prisoner occurred as stated. The military guard was withdrawn on 1st May, 1920, for the purpose of protecting Sligo Courthouse, and there were not sufficient troops in Sligo at the time to protect both buildings. Four unmarried officers and two married officers with their families have quarters in the prison.
§ Mr. DONALDIs this place protected now?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODYes, adequately protected.