§ Mr. DEVLIN(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the reign of terror which has sprung up in several districts in the North of Ireland; whether the Ulster Volunteers for several weeks past have been holding up pedestrians and motorists; whether on Wednesday night, the 24th inst., at Killylea, in County Armagh, a military patrol were stopped and ordered to put their hands up; whether, on inquiry, the military officer was told that they were Ulster Volunteers who had orders to hold up all road traffic; whether the officer arrested the volunteers, who were subsequently released; and what action the right hon. Gentleman proposes to take in the matter?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have no evidence of a reign of terror having sprung up in several districts in the North of Ireland. My evidence is to the effect that the reign of terror is on the decline in that and other parts of Ireland. I only know of one or two cases of holding up pedestrians or motorists. As regards the incident referred to by the hon. Member, I am informed that, at 11.45 p.m. on the 24th inst., a military officer and 20 other ranks, with two members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, left Armagh for Killylea in a motor lorry. When near Killylea, they were halted and ordered to put up their hands by three men who are described as Ulster Volunteers. The military dismounted, and arrested them.
§ Mr. DEVLINCan the right hon. Gentleman say why they were released after their arrest, and is it a virtue to, do this in the North and a crime to do it 915 in the South? I want to know why they were released, and why there should be a discrimination in these cases?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI can assure the hon. Member and the House that there is no discrimination in dealing with men in Ireland who are carrying arms illegally—
§ Mr. DEVLINNo adjectives; give us an answer. [Interruption.] May I ask the right hon. Gentleman why these men who were arrested for holding up the military in Ulster were released without trial and without being brought to justice?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe hon. Member is making statements about things of which I am not aware. If he will put his Private Notice question down for to-morrow, I will have a more detailed answer. I must repeat that there is no discrimination or preference given to any person in Ireland who bears arms illegally; they are all liable to arrest.
§ Mr. DEVLINThe right hon. Gentleman has admitted that these men were arrested. I want to know why they were not brought to trial, and why equal justice does not prevail all over the country. I will raise this question at 11 o'clock to-night.