HC Deb 11 March 1920 vol 126 cc1503-4
15. Mr. DEVLIN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware than on Thursday morning, 26th February, a house in Park Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin, was raided by military; that the sole residents of the house in question were two ladies who have no connection with any political organisation; that a company of soldiers with fixed bayonets entered the house headed by an officer, who, without producing any warrant or offering an explanation, proceeded to search the house from top to bottom;. that the search produced no results, and that the officer and party withdrew without offering any apology or explanation for their intrusion; whether some jewellery, the property of the ladies, was taken by the military in their raided; whether he can state why this house was raided: whether these raids are carried out without warrants; and, if so, what protection have the citizens of Dublin against unwarrantable raids of this character?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am aware that the house referred to was raided by the military who state that they had reason to believe that persons were in hiding there for whose arrests warrants had been issued. The result of the search disclosed nothing incriminating, and the officer in charge had no knowledge of the removal of anything from the house. A letter of regret was addressed on 3rd instant to the brother of the two ladies, who was asked to send in details of any missing articles, and who has not yet replied.

Mr. DEVLIN

Has the right hon. Gentleman attempted to justify in this House this raid by a number of military men on two ladies living alone? Has he any justification to offer?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have never attempted to justify this particular raid. It is not true, as far as I understand, that the ladies were living alone I understand a brother was living with them. I have already said that the military acted upon what they regarded as very reliable authority, and they have expressed their regret.

Mr. DEVLIN

How many similar cases have occurred in Ireland?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have no knowledge, but I am certain that if any more had occurred I should have heard of them.

Mr. DEVLIN

I could keep the House going for a week with them.