§ 15. Major M. WOODasked the Chief Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to continue the practice of carrying hostages on police and military lorries; if so, will he give orders that a record be kept of every instance in which a hostage is so carried and the circumstances attending each case; and whether he has now received the promised report in connection with the case in which a hostage was wounded?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI can add nothing to the replies which have already been given to the hon. and gallant Member on this subject. As regards the latter part of the question, I have not yet received the Report of the Court of Inquiry, but I have asked that it may be expedited.
§ Major WOODHow long does it take to inquire into a simple question of this kind? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this inquiry has been going on now for about two months?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am not aware of that.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNHas the policy of carrying hostages received the approval of the Cabinet?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI cannot answer any question as to what the Cabinet does or does not approve. The policy of carrying hostages is the policy carried out in different parts of Ireland, and has been most effective.
§ Captain BENNHas the policy of carrying hostages in defiance of all the laws of warfare received the approval of the Government?
§ Major WOODIs it not a fact that another hostage has been killed while being carried on a Government lorry, and will the Government give compensation to the relatives of that hostage or any other hostage who has been killed?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is not included in the question on the Paper.