HC Deb 16 June 1920 vol 130 c1258
71. Earl WINTERTON

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is yet in a position to state what is the result of the inquiry held into the circumstances surrounding the surrender of a guard of His Majesty's troops in Dublin to armed desperadoes without firing a shot?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

No, Sir; the report of the court of inquiry has not yet been received.

Earl WINTERTON

How long is the inquiry likely to take?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

I cannot answer that question.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish the report as soon as it is received?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

I will inquire as to the probable date at which it might be received.

72. Earl WINTERTON

asked the Secretary of State for War if any inquiry has been held into the circumstances surrounding or any disciplinary action taken against the troops concerned in the cases, respectively, of the disarmament of a military cyclist patrol and of three military despatch riders by armed desperadoes in Ireland recently?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

Immediate inquiry is always made into occurrences such as those referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, and the resulting disciplinary action which may be taken rests with the general officer commanding. I am not yet aware what disciplinary action, if any, has been taken in the cases referred to, but I am inquiring, and will inform the Noble Lord.