HC Deb 07 June 1921 vol 142 c1683
68. Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Chief Secretary whether on the 14th May last 14 houses were destroyed by order of the competent military authority in County Tipperary as a reprisal for the murder of District Inspector Potter; and whether there is any evidence that the owners of these houses were implicated in the murder?

Mr. HENRY

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that six houses in the Cahir district and four in the Cashel district, also the furniture of one house at Cashel, were destroyed as a punishment for the murder of District Inspector Potter. The houses were selected as being near the spot where the district inspector was captured and murdered, and all belonged to or were frequented by members of the 3rd Tipperary Brigade, Irish Republican Army, which was responsible for the crime.

Mr. MOSLEY

Was there any evidence at all to show that the owners of these houses were implicated in the murder; and if not, why were the houses destroyed, in view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman last week?

Mr. HENRY

I have already stated that the houses either belonged to or were frequented by members of the Irish Republican Army.

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