§ Mr. J. H. THOMAS(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he was aware that in spite of his clear and definite statement in the House yesterday that the legal representatives of persons concerned were allowed to be present at any military inquiry, permission to attend the inquiry at Mallow had been refused; and would he immediately have inquiries made with a view to compelling those who are responsible to give effect to his instructions?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI received notice of this question about fifteen minutes ago. I do not accept the right hon. Gentleman's statement of fact, because it is the rule governing all these military courts of inquiry to allow counsel, solicitors or friends of the parties interested to attend; but I shall certainly make inquiry into the matter.
§ Mr. THOMASIf such inquiry proves that my statement of the fact is correct, namely, that solicitors were refused permission to he present, does he agree now that a further inquiry must be held into the matter?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI must make inquiry before I can give any undertaking.
§ Mr. THOMASI do not ask for the case to be prejudged, but if, as I repeat, his statement to this House as to representation at, and the methods of, inquiries in Ireland has not been carried out, will he hold a further inquiry in view of the instructions that he has submitted to this House?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThat is a hypothetical question. I have been perfectly fair in my answer. I shall send a wire off within the next few minutes, and if the right hon. Gentleman will put down a question to-morrow for noon and he is 250 permitted to ask it, I hope to be able to give an answer.
§ Mr. THOMASI beg to give notice that I will put down the question for tomorrow.