§ 23. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Secretary of State for War how many times since the 30th June last soldiers on military duty in Ireland in motor cars or lorries have been attacked by men in ambush; how many soldiers have in consequence been killed; how many soldiers wounded; how many soldiers captured or disarmed; how many rifles and how much ammunition secured by the attackers; and can he give any assurance to the effect that military motor cars and lorries conveying men on dangerous services will in future be provided with more adequate protection for the vital parts of their mechanism and for the persons they carry and will be equipped with machine guns?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSoldiers on military duty in Ireland travelling in motor cars or lorries have been attacked by rebels on 99 occasions since the 30th June last. In consequence, 30 soldiers have been killed, 90 soldiers have been wounded, and 98 soldiers have been captured or disarmed; and it is believed that heavy losses have also been inflicted on the rebels. The attackers have secured 35 rifles, two Hotchkiss guns, and 4,000 rounds of ammunition. As regards the last part of the question, as I stated on 28th October, in reply to the hon. Member, the question of the provision of armoured cars for use in Ireland is very seriously engaging the attention of the military authorities. Large numbers, armed with machine guns, are already in Ireland, and steps are being taken to effect a considerable increase in these numbers. In addition, large quantities of protective material for motor cars and lorries are being sent.
§ Mr. PENNEFATHERMay I ask why these quantities of technical material were not sent after the first attack instead of waiting till 99 had taken place?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWe have steadily increased the number of armoured cars in Ireland and the number of motor vehicles. That has been the policy pursued without cessation during the last five or six months, and, having supplied as many armoured vehicles as possible, we are now supplying sheets of armour to be put on vehicles which are only occasionally used for the transport of men.
§ Major O'NEILLMay I ask, apart from the question of giving armoured cars, is it not possible for some better tactical dispositions to be made so as to prevent the constantly recurring attacks upon police, apparently in isolated motor cars, in which in nearly every case they lose their lives?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLOdd as it may seem, this aspect of the question has engaged the attention of the military authorities. They have had every possible support from the Government and everything they have asked for we have, to the best of our ability, supplied. We have taught them to ask for anything they require, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made sure that no financial difficulties stand in the way of supplying the troops in Ireland with what they require. On the whole the results are not unsatisfactory.
§ Mr. PENNEFATHERMay I ask for a reply to my first supplementary question as to why this material was not sent after the first attack instead of waiting till 99 had taken place?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSo far as that is a question we have continuously taken the measures which the military authorities thought necessary, and in so far as it is a criticism it can be raised in debate.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIn view of the great number of spies in every quarter of Ireland will the right, hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of never issuing orders as to destinations until the morning of the day of the journey?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAfter five years of the most terrible war that has ever taken place, I think we might trust the military authorities in the exercise of ordinary commonsense which you would expect from a young captain in command of troops.