§ 7. Mr. AUBREY HERBERTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is the Black and Tans who have been responsible for all deliberate reprisals in Ireland; whether these reprisals have constantly fallen upon innocent people and loyalists; whether people have often been protected from outrages at the hands of the Black and Tans by the troops; and whether the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries were driven out of Cork at the point of the bayonet by General Strickland's orders?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am not going to be drawn into making comparisons between the respective merits and demerits of the various branches of the Crown Forces in Ireland. They are all engaged in doing their duty in exceptionally trying and difficult circumstances. As for the preposterous allegation about the Black and Tans and the Auxiliaries being driven out of Cork at the point of the bayonet by General Strickland's orders I need hardly assure the House that it is entirely untrue. This General has expressed to me personally his appreciation of the work of both branches of the police in his command.
§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNORDoes that appreciation appear in the so-called General Strickland's Report?
Captain COOTEDoes my right hon. Friend not think it would be better, and would it not save him a large number of these questions being put if he published a summary of the findings of the Courts?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThat question has been answered by the Prime Minister.
§ Captain REDMONDHas the right hon. Gentleman received a report from Judge Bodkin in the County of Clare, and, if so, what steps has he taken in regard to it?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must give notice.