HC Deb 14 April 1921 vol 140 cc1276-7
47. Mr. GALBRAITH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is still intended to bring to trial the 26 cadets discharged by General Crozier in connection with the Trim looting?

Mr. HENRY

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me to a question asked on this subject by the hon. Member for Central Aberdeen on the 7th instant.

Major M. WOOD

Are these 26 cadets still doing no duty, and what are they doing?

Mr. HENRY

I have already informed the hon. Member that seven of the cadets, against whom there is evidence, are to be brought to trial. As regards the other 19, they are at present not doing any duty, but are not being brought to trial for the simple reason that there is no evidence against them.

Major M. WOOD

If there is no evidence against them, are they to be allowed indefinitely going on doing no duty and drawing pay?

Mr. HENRY

We are making the fullest enquiries for the purpose of trying to bring them to trial, if there is evidence against them.

Mr. O'CONNOR

Is the right hon. Gentleman forgetful of the fact that General Crozier, their Commanding Officer at the time, thought there was sufficient evidence to drive them out of the force and send them to England?

Mr. HENRY

No, I am aware of the exact opposite. General Crozier came to the conclusion that there was evidence against seven of them, and directed them to be tried. He came to the conclusion, as regards 19, that there was no evidence against them.

Mr. O'CONNOR

Why, if there is no evidence against them, did he drive them out of the force, and send them over to England until they were recalled by General Tudor?

Mr. HENRY

That is one of the things which was discussed in the course of the Debate, and no one could explain it.