HC Deb 11 November 1920 vol 134 cc1353-4
61. Mr. MacVEAGH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many creameries in Ireland were destroyed by fire or partially wrecked in each month beginning with April, 1920; why no Report of the destruction of any creamery was published in the summaries of official Reports of outrages communicated to the press during the period May to September, 1920, although these summaries contained comparatively trivial Reports of the burning of hay, peat, and other private property, without any indication as to the perpetrators or the motive; why no official Report of the destruction of any creamery has been published since these summaries were discontinued, with the exception of a Report communicated to the correspondent of the "Manchester Guardian" and published in that paper on 7th October, in which it was admitted that the creameries at Achonry and Ballygar were burned by the constabulary; will he state what is the policy of the Irish Government as to the publication of official Reports of the malicious destruction of property in Ireland and of the murders of civilians, respectively?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I have already given particulars of the number of creameries destroyed or damaged, but without longer notice I cannot give separate particulars for each month. The official summaries referred to did not purport to be a complete record of all outrages committed, and if the suggestion in the latter part of the question is that there his been any deliberate suppression of facts by the Government I desire to repudiate it emphatically. Every facility is given to the Press for obtaining accurate information, on matters of public interest.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Does the right hon. Gentleman still main- tain that there is not a tittle of evidence to show that these creameries were destroyed by the armed forces of the Crown?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

There was not a tittle of evidence when I made the speech I did as to the identity of any individual responsible for the destruction of the creameries.

Mr. WATERS0N

Does the right hon. Gentleman now admit that a tittle of evidence has been produced since he made his statement?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Yes, since I made my statement some evidence has been produced as to the destruction of these creameries by the forces of the Crown, and as to the provocation there has also been further evidence.

Mr. MacVEAGH

At what date will the right hon. Gentleman be able to answer the question as to how many creameries in Ireland were destroyed by fire or partially wrecked in each month beginning with April, 1920?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Will the hon. Gentleman put down that question for next Thursday?

Mr. MacVEAGH

With pleasure.