HC Deb 16 June 1921 vol 143 cc574-5
28. Major BARNES

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the statement of General Crozier that a report was received by him from an officer who was present at the shooting at Croke Park and forwarded to the proper authority, he will cause searching investigations to be made as to why this report was not put before the Court of Inquiry into this case?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

This report was received, but was not produced at the Court of Inquiry, as the officer who rendered it was himself examined as a witness before the Court.

58. Mr. RENDALL

asked the Chief Secretary whether an inquiry has been held into the death of John Sheehan, of Collee, Listowel, stated to have been shot dead by members of the Crown forces on the 25th May; and what is its finding?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I am still awaiting a report from the Commander-in-Chief in this case.

64. Mr. T. THOMSON

asked the Chief Secretary whether a prisoner named Patrick White was shot dead at the internment camp at Spike Island, Queens-town, on the 1st June; and what was the reason for this shooting?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

This refers to the martial law area, and I have asked the Commander-in-Chief for a report. I shall be glad if the hon. Member will postpone his question to a later date.

68. Mr. WINTRINGHAM

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that two men named Patrick and James Ryan were taken from their beds in their house at Knockfune, County Tipperary, on the 7th June, and shot, Patrick being killed and James wounded; and that their house was then set on fire and destroyed; and whether the perpetrators of this outrage have yet been traced?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

This refers to the martial law area. I have asked the Commander-in-Chief for a Report, and I shall be glad if the hon. Member will postpone his question, of which I only received notice on Tuesday, to one day next week.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is it a fact that murders took place in Ireland under circumstances such as this—nearly two months ago—and that they have not yet been officially reported at headquarters?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Every murder, every incident, every outrage, is reported to me; but when an hon. Member puts a question on the Paper I endeavour to get as specific and detailed report as possible for that hon. Member.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Seeing the time that often elapses after the event, could the right hon. Gentleman give the House immediately the official report he received at the time, and say that if further inquiry is desired he will make it?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

That would not cover the various points in the question. These questions are put down, I presume, to elicit the fullest details of any given incident or outrage. I am anxious, only too anxious, to give the fullest possible answer.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Can the Chief Secretary tell us how it is that in connection with these questions about the martial law area he gives a stereotyped reply, no matter how long the time that has intervened, to the effect that, "This is in the martial law area and I am causing inquiries to be made." If he got a report at the time, why does he not publish it?

Mr. SPEAKER

A complaint is frequently made that the actual question on the Paper is not answered.

Mr. MacVEAGH

The truth is that he has not got an answer.

Back to