§ 13. Mr. WATERSONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will institute an inquiry into the wholesale destruction of co-operative creameries in Ireland with a view to justifying such action, or, in the alternative, of fully compensating these loyal working-men societies which have suffered by the armed forces of the Crown?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)I can add nothing to the statements recently made upon this subject in the course of Debate.
§ Lieut-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask when the right hon. Gentleman will be able to make a further statement with reference to the destruction of these creameries, or is it being left just as he explained it in the Debate?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODNothing is left stationary in Ireland.
§ Mr. RAFFANWill the right hon. Gentleman state whether he does intend to hold an inquiry, as asked in the question?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODAn inquiry is held into every case in which destruction is alleged.
§ Major M. WOODWill he see that he is represented at any inquiries before a county court judge?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe Irish Government has no locus standi before these inquiries.
§ Mr. RAFFANBut will the right hon. Gentleman take cognisance of the facts submitted at these inquiries?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI do.
§ Major M. WOODIs there any reason why the right hon. Gentleman should not send a representative, and ask to be heard?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIt is not estimated for on the Irish Office Vote.
§ 18. Major M. WOODasked the Chief Secretary whether the Irish Government have received from the proprietors of the Newport creamery a claim for £160 on the ground that that sum was stolen by the military from the safe on the premises at the time the creamery was burned; what reply has been sent; whether the claim was received before the proceedings took place under the Malicious Injuries Act; and whether he can explain why in these circumstances the Government were not represented at the hearing?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI understand that complaint was made by the proprietors of the Newport creamery, that a 1912 sum of £160 was stolen from the premises when the creamery was burned. The police have closely investigated the matter and are satisfied that, if money was stolen from the premises, it was taken by civilians whose identity is unknown. The Government has no locus standi at the hearing of claims under the Criminal Injuries Act.
§ Major WOODMay I have an answer to my question, which asks whether the Government have had a claim put to them and what answer they have given to that claim?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI did not understand that from the question, but at any rate if I have not answered it fully, I wish the hon. and gallant Member would put it down again. I have given the best answer I can to-day.
§ Mr. RAFFANWill the right hon. Gentleman state whether he has made any inquiries into the burning of this creamery from any other source except from those who are alleged to be the perpetrators?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe persons alleged to be the perpetrators were the military. Inquiry has been made both by the military and the police, and I know of no other tribunal to which I can refer an inquiry in the present disturbed state of the country.
§ Mr. DEVLINWhen these military tribunals are set up and the investigation lakes place, what is the procedure adopted in order to get at the real truth from those who do not believe these statements?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThere are rules laid down and regulations governing the procedure of military courts of inquiry, and anyone who has got any evidence to give that will help the court to arrive at a just conclusion would undoubtedly be welcomed by the court.
§ Major WOODWhen a claim of this kind is put in, would it not be convenient for the Government to be represented at the inquiry, which is to assess the damage?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe Government has no status before these county court judges, who assess the damage done under the Malicious Injuries Act, and I 1913 do not see my way clear to have the Government represented at every one of those scores of proceedings that are held in Ireland.
§ Major WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this particular inquiry differs from the rest, inasmuch as a definite claim was made against the Government, as apart from the local authority, in respect of this burning?