HC Deb 23 June 1921 vol 143 cc1525-7
53. Mr. WATERSON

asked the Chief Secretary whether the closing of creameries is a punishment for the cutting up of roads and damage to bridges; if so, whether he is aware that such damage is usually believed to be the work of so-called flying columns; and whether, since the action of compulsory closing is severe and calculated to lead to disaffection through the penalisation of persons innocent of offence and is an injury to the economic position of the district affected, he will reconsider this policy?

Mr. HENRY

The circumstances in which creameries are temporarily closed in the martial law area were fully stated in my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary's reply to the hon. Member for Leith on 30th May. Before taking such action the military governor gives very careful consideration to all the local conditions.

Mr. WATERSON

In taking that action, is any preferential treatment given between one creamery and another in the same area, and if cases be brought before his notice, will he see into the matter.

Mr. HENRY

No preferential treatment is given. The creameries are not closed indiscriminately, but according as to whether they are used as meeting places for rebels.

Mr. WATERSON

Is any opportunity given to those in charge of the creameries to get rid of the stocks they may have in hand rather than let them perish?

Mr. HENRY

I must ask for notice.

55. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Chief Secretary how many creameries have now been closed by official order; how many of these are inside and outside the martial law area, respectively; and, in the latter case, by what authority the closing is, carried out?

Mr. HENRY

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the number of creameries which have been closed by order of the military authority is 33. Fourteen of these are still under restriction, the remainder having been allowed to reopen. All these creameries are in the martial law area.

Mr. HOGGE

Could not the authorities in Ireland put someone in charge of the creameries to prevent, as he says, their being made a meeting place for anyone, so that the industry itself could be carried on?

Mr. HENRY

It would involve a considerable military force, because the result would be that the places would probably be surrounded by a large number of rebels, and if there were only a few men in charge they might all be murdered. But I will submit the suggestion.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of withdrawing the military from these areas where the creameries exist?