8. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether anyone has been convicted of the murder of any of the 40 police and others in Government employment who have been murdered in Ireland since 1st January, 1919.
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Denis Henry)The answer is in the negative.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSMay I ask whether the Government propose to take any steps, legislative or otherwise, to re-establish the opinion accepted in all other civilised countries, that murder, whether political or private, is equally a crime?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERHas anyone been arrested in connection with these crimes?
§ Earl WINTERTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say in how many of these important cases criminals have been arrested and are now awaiting trial?
§ Lord ROBERT CECILWere they arrested last year?
§ Mr. HENRYNo. There were none arrested last year. The trial is delayed by the fact that the venue was changed under the provisions of the Criminal Law Procedure Act, and special powers were refused, which necessitated a delay beyond the usual time.