§ The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. LAWSON:
§ 73. To ask the Chief Secretary the result of the trial of five men named O'Connor, Dowling, Carmody, Herlihy, and McEllistrum charged with taking part in an 590 attack on the police at Ballymacelligott, County Kerry, on 12th November last; and whether these men are at present in prison?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI shall be glad if the hon. Gentleman will postpone this question.
§ Mr. LAWSONYes, I have no objection to that, but I think I ought to point out that the question was put down a week ago. The thing happened last November, the arrested men were tried a couple of months ago, and I think the right hon. Gentleman might have some information now to give to the House.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODLet me just set out upon what I am endeavouring to do. When a specific question dealing with specific names, places, dates, and events is put on the Paper, I am bound to refer it to the proper officer—in this case the Commander-in-Chief—responsible for the martial-law area for an answer. I must do it, in fairness to him, and in view of my desire to give the hon. Member the fullest information I can obtain.