HC Deb 14 July 1920 vol 131 cc2384-5
Colonel ASHLEY (by Private Notice)

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can give the House any further information about the murder near Dingle of two members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and the wounding of two others, and whether any arrests have been made?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I profoundly regret to say that the facts are as stated in the question. A motor lorry was ambushed in the Dingle district, in the county of Kerry, two constables were shot dead, and a district inspector and the driver were wounded. I have just received a telegram to say that the attack was made by a party of 25 to 30 men. All the shots were fired while the police were in the car. The two wounded officers are not seriously wounded.

Sir F. HALL

Was anybody captured?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

No one has yet been arrested.

Sir F. HALL

Are we to understand that 25 men in broad daylight can get away without any of them being arrested? If so, is it not time that steps were taken to do away with the conditions under which law and order are being evaded in Ireland?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

It is very difficult to reply to a question of that kind. I would like the hon. and gallant Member to know, however, that these gallant constables were shot in pursuance of their duty to try and arrest, probably, some of the very men who shot them. I protest against this reflection on a force—[Interruption]—when, in the most difficult circumstances, by reason of the permitted introduction of firearms during the last ten or more years—[Interruption]—the difficulties of the police have been increased. May I add, further, that every possible effort is made to track down these murderers and assassins, and, if they are not captured, it is not the fault of the gallant forces of the Crown who are doing their best to carry out their duty.

Mr. GRITTEN

Is it not the fault of the Government in not providing more forces?

Sir F. HALL

On a point of Order. May I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether anything in the supplementary question which I put to the representative of His Majesty s Government led any member of the Government to infer that I was casting any reflection upon this gallant force? On the other hand, was it not merely a question to draw the attention of the Government to the great necessity for stronger precautions, in order that these gallant men may be protected?

Mr. SPEAKER

The incident shows the undesirability of these unprepared supplementary questions.