HC Deb 21 April 1921 vol 140 cc2037-8
10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a publication known as the "Irish Bulletin" has been published by the Sinn Fein party; whether the publication was largely in the hands of the hon. Member for the Pembroke Division of Dublin; whether the hon. Member was recently captured by the Crown forces; whether the premises where the "Irish Bulletin" was printed were subsequently raided by Crown forces, and the printing plant, paper, list of addresses to which the "Irish Bulletin" was sent, and other information was seized; whether members of the Crown forces or other Government servants have since printed and uttered forged copies of the "Irish Bulletin"; whether this was for propaganda purposes; and whether these forgeries are still being printed and uttered; and whether he is aware that genuine copies of the "Irish Bulletin" are also being distributed as before?

15. Mr. NEWBOULD

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the articles seized in a raid in Dublin on 26th March included the typewriters and Roneo machines by which the "Irish Bulletin" was produced, and the list of names and addresses of those to whom it was sent; and whether, in view of the fact that forged copies of the "Bulletin" are being circulated, he will make searching inquiries as to what persons have been in possession of these articles and documents since their capture?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Denis Henry)

I have nothing to add to the reply given by me to a similar question on the 7th instant.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these forgeries are still being circulated, with the London postmark, and that I got one half an hour ago? Can he assure the House that this work of forgery is not being conducted by any Government Department in London, in connection with the Irish Office?

Mr. HENRY

So far as I am aware—I can only speak for my own Department—we are not doing it. I am not able to tell the postmark, because I have not access to the hon. Member's correspondence.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the benevolent politicians not to waste their money in sending me any more of their forgeries.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question—is he aware that the genuine "Irish Bulletin" is still being published?

Mr. HENRY

No, I am not.

Mr. NEWBOULD

Does the right hon. Gentleman know where the plant is that has been captured? Is it in his possession or under his control?

Mr. HENRY

If it has been captured by forces of the Crown, it is still in our possession.

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