§ Mr. MacVEAGH(by Private Notice) asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether John McSwiney, brother of the late Lord Mayor of Cork, when arrested on the 8th inst. was robbed of a new overcoat, a presentation gold watch and £4 in cash; whether when almost naked his hands were tied behind his back and a rope halter passed round his neck; whether he was then thrown face downwards on the bottom of the lorry and his feet tied together; whether one of the officers said to him, "We finished the Lord Mayor and we won't be long finishing you "; when his trial is to take place; and what action, if any, has been taken against any of the officers concerned?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Denis Henry)My hon. Friend has given notice of three questions, and my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary is inquiring into the allegations contained in the third question, but is unable to furnish a reply at such short notice.
MacVEAGHCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether the trial is taking place this week, and whether it is intended to carry out the threat to finish the Lord Mayor's brother, as they finished the Lord Mayor?
§ Captain REDMONDWill the result of this inquiry be published, or will it be suppressed?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I sent particulars privately to the Chief Secretary three days ago about this alleged atrocity to this gentleman, and they have not yet any information about it? Is it not always possible to get accounts of atrocities on the other side within a very few hours?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMore shame to you.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that, although he has a private telephone wire running to Dublin Castle, he is unable to obtain information about this case after three days' notice?
§ Mr. HENRYThe case the hon. Gentleman asks about occurred in Cork. It is not easy to communicate with Cork.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHAre not matters of this kind reported from Cork to Dublin Castle?