§ 69. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many farms, farm buildings, out-houses, and dwelling-houses were burned in the neighbourhood of Ballybrack, near Killarney, following on the shooting of Constables Woods and Turner; whether the inhabitants were given an opportunity of removing their personal effects before the houses were fired; whether any persons have been arrested in connection with the shootings; and whether the farms and buildings were supposed to have been burned in connection with any fighting or in pursuit of suspected persons?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)I am informed that while the police were engaged in searching in Ballybrack district for persons suspected of complicity in the recent murders of Constables Turner and Woods they were fired upon, and in the course of the fighting dwelling-houses, three outhouses and a quantity of hay, straw and peat were burned. The three house in question 416 had been vacated by the occupants on the arrival of the police. One person was arrested, and is still in custody. I protest against the word "shooting" in this question. The two constables were unarmed and were brutally murdered by a number of assassins, who fired into the bodies of their victims while in their last agonies.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhen I put this question down one constable was still alive, and I would certainly have put the word "murder" had I known he had died. I have always used the word "murder" in such cases, and I object to the right hon. Gentleman's insinuation.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHEnglish fair play!