HC Deb 28 October 1920 vol 133 cc1918-9
74. Mr. DEVLIN

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is in a position to make any statement with reference to the proposed establishment of a special police force in Belfast; and if the House will be given an opportunity to discuss the matter?

Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)

The particulars of this force have already been published, and the House has had two opportunities during the last few days of discussing it.

Mr. DEVLIN

What were the two opportunities?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The best answer I can give is that I have heard speeches on two days from the hon. Gentleman opposite on this subject.

Mr. DEVLIN

Yes, but I did not get any answer to my speeches.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

You did not give time for it.

Mr. DEVLIN

Oh, no; it was the fault of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Duncairn (Sir E. Carson).

Mr. BONAR LAW

It was not anybody's fault; it was due to the prolonged eloquence of the hon. Gentleman himself.

Mr. DEVLIN

Is it not the fact, with regard to the special constables already appointed in North East Ulster, three were arrested for looting in Lisburn, and after they were arrested 300 of the remainder of the force resigned; whether one was arrested for looting in Belfast, and does the right hon. Gentleman propose to hand over the custody of law and order to men responsible for conduct of this character? May I also ask—

Mr. SPEAKER

I think the hon. Member must put some of these questions down.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer those which I have asked?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not see why my hon. Friend should expect me to answer questions which have already been answered more than once by the Irish Secretary. As to the arrest of constables, I think that is the best proof that we disapprove of looting.

Mr. DEVLIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these special constables are drawn from the class who organised a mob to massacre the Minister for War when he was last in Belfast?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can assure my hon. Friend that the selection is not based on that ground.

Mr. DEVLIN

I believe it is by his colleagues in the Cabinet.

Mr. BONAR LAW

They are selected solely because of their reliability in dealing with a specially difficult situation.