HC Deb 06 June 1921 vol 142 cc1503-4
35. Captain W. BENN

asked the Prime Minister whether the number of troops in Ireland is so short of requirements that it is impossible to provide guards for all public buildings; and whether this was one of the reasons that the Customs House in Dublin when attacked had no special guard?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

In regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the speech of my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on the Motion for the Adjournment on the 1st instant, and, in regard to the second part, to my right hon. Friend's reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for the West Derbyshire Division on the same date. I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's statement.

Captain BENN

May we take it, in spite of what was said by the Chief Secretary the other day, that the statement is correct that a shortage of troops was one of the reasons for the burning of this building?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; what my hon. and gallant Friend may take as correct is what my right hon. Friend said.

Captain BENN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question is a textual copy of what the Chief Secretary said?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Nor do I think that the truth is easily ascertained by taking a few words and reading them without reference to their context.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Is it now intended to send over additional troops in order to give protection to loyal subjects?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes. The statement was made by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, or was it the Prime Minister, that it is the intention of the Government to send over additional troops; but I cannot say that troops will be placed on guard in every small place.