Mr. O'CONNOR(by Private Notice) asked whether it is true that four men were killed and two wounded at White-gate, County Clare; whether the reason given for the killing of these four men was that they were trying to escape from an escort near Killaloe; what are the instructions given to police and to military escorts in reference to prisoners under arrest, and is the order given to kill before there is any warning or any attempt to recapture?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODFour men were arrested at Scarrif and two at Whitegate, County Clare, on the 16th instant for offences against Regulation 9 A.A. of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The four men arrested at Scarrif tried to escape from their escort at Killaloe at 12.30 a.m. on the 17th and were shot dead. I have no information as to the wounding of two men. The police and military are entitled to fire on such prisoners if they attempt to escape and refuse to halt when called upon to do so.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHow many more prisoners will be killed in this way? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of this that—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]
Mr. O'CONNORIn the Report of the right hon. Gentleman about this tragical incident is there any statement that the prisoners wore handcuffed?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODNo, that is not in the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. DEVLINThey were all handcuffed.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI cannot answer without notice.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI regret that I have not got it.
Mr. O'CONNORI shall repeat the latter part of the question, and shall supplement it by asking whether the fact that the men were handcuffed is not sufficient guarantee for their ultimate arrest without shooting them on the spot.