HC Deb 29 March 1920 vol 127 cc870-1
Mr. C. PALMER

(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is true that Lieut.-General Sir F. Shaw, who has been in command of the troops in Ireland since May, 1918, is to be succeeded forthwith by General Sir Nevil Macready, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, whether there are any grounds for the assumption that the Government have decided upon new and stronger measures for the suppression of lawlessness, and, if so, with a view to re-assuring the law-abiding elements in Ireland he can make any statement to the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

In view of the fact that the retirement of General Sir F. Shaw from the Irish Command was impending, the Government have decided to appoint in his place General Sir Nevil Macready, who has not only had a distinguished military career, but also police experience as head of the largest police force in the world. The Government believe that the appointment of General Macready, who combines both military and police experience and remarkable powers of organisation with exceptional judgment and tact, will support and strengthen the administration of the law in Ireland.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman can tell us how it was that Mr. Alan Bell was not, apparently, under police protection at the time this terrible murder was committed?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am afraid I could not answer that without notice.

Mr. DEVLIN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, having recited the qualifications of this military gentleman for this particular post, he can tell us what was his experience in connection with the Ulster Rebellion? He was sent over to deal with the Ulster Rebellion: did he put that down?

The PRIME MINISTER

I believe he was sent to Ulster, and I believe that by common consent he behaved with considerable judgment and tact, and that there was no trouble during the time he was there. That is exactly the position of things I would like to see there now.

Mr. DEVLIN

Had General Macready anything to do with the appointment of those rebels to be judges in Ireland? Was that the measure of his tact and efficiency?

Captain REDMOND

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that General Macready will exercise the same tact now in regard to the rest of Ireland as he did with regard to Ulster?

Mr. PALMER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that General Macready has the confidence of the British public?