§ 60. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chief Secretary whether he has yet inquired into the treatment of Mr. S. MacSwiney, brother of the late Lord Mayor of Cork, after his arrest on the 8th February last; whether he was pinioned and pitched half naked into a lorry, his overcoat, watch, and money being stolen; whether he was threatened with death; and what action has been taken?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am informed that the Commander-in-Chief has not yet received the full Report of the Inquiry he has directed to be made into these allegations. He has ascertained, however, that the facts briefly are that Mr. MacSwiney was pinioned in order to prevent his attempting to escape, but was not ill-treated or threatened in any way. His watch and money were taken from him on his arrest and will be returned to him on his release. This is the usual practice in all cases and the suggestion of theft is quite unfounded.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAs the right hon. Gentleman has made inquiries about the money and the watch will he now make inquiries about the man's overcoat and why he could not have it given to him? Is he aware that this man had to walk in his shirt for a long distance in inclement weather?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member must postpone any further items.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIs not the hon. and gallant Member responsible for the accuracy of the statements in his question? He stated that these things were stolen from this man.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI had full information from the sister of the man and I accepted it in good faith.