§ 66. Mr. LUNNasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the total number of houses burnt down or wrecked, and what is the number in which furniture has been destroyed by official orders since 1st January last; how many of these houses were occupied solely by women; and how many were outside the martial law area?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Denis Henry)I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the number of houses destroyed by official orders in the martial law area is 191, of which number 22 belonged to women. The number of cases in which property or furniture only was destroyed is 19. In two of these cases the property was owned by women. As regards the last part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that these official punishments are confined to the martial law area.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKDoes that excuse them? Is there any good in destroying old women's furniture?