HC Deb 25 May 1921 vol 142 cc133-5
Mr. HOGGE

(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention had been called to the extensive intimidation and terrorism which prevailed yesterday in connection with the election of the North of Ireland Parlia- ment; whether he could explain upon what grounds the police and military failed to protect voters who were endeavouring to exercise the franchise, and the agents of the candidates who were engaged in the polling booths?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

My attention has not been drawn to any intimidation and terrorism, extensive or otherwise, that is alleged to have prevailed yesterday in the six counties where the Northern Parliament was elected. I have no reason to believe that the police or military failed to give all necessary protection to voters, but it is obviously impossible for me to attempt at such short notice to deal with any isolated instance of interference that may have occurred. If, however, the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any such case I shall have inquiries made immediately. The last Report I have from the six counties is a Police Report, and is as follows: Reports now received from each county. Polls very heavy everywhere. All quiet. Last declaration in Tyrone not expected before Saturday. Some results, Antrim, Armagh, Fermanagh, Derry, and Belfast, will be available to-morrow. The fact that, as stated, "polling has been very heavy everywhere" is, I think, a complete answer to the suggestion of intimidation. I think the House will agree with me that we ought to congratulate ourselves on the peaceful nature of the elections.

Mr. HOGGE

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Ulster Unionists actually turned out the personation agents of the opposition parties from the polling booths in Belfast, and put in the polling booths men armed, to prevent the personation agents recording the votes of these people?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I do not understand the last part of the hon. Member's question. It is novel, even in Ireland, to have a personation agent record votes for other people. I do not know what they do in Edinburgh, but I can assure the hon. Member and the House that every precaution was taken in the six counties yesterday to have a perfectly free election. The fact that the poll was very large to my mind shows that the precautions were adequate, and answered the purpose for which they were taken.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if you get rid of personation agents, you may record the votes of even dead people?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I am not aware of that. That is also novel to Ireland.

Mr. SWAN

Is it a fact that many of the Nationalists and Sinn Feiners who went to vote found their votes had been recorded by somebody else?

Colonel GREIG

On a point of Order. Is it in order, in accordance with the ruling of the late Speaker regarding questions which were addressed about the inception of self-government in India, for questions now to be addressed in this House affecting a Parliament or local independent legislature?

Mr. SPEAKER

This Parliament has not yet come into existence. In regard to further questions, clearly the Chief Secretary cannot know in detail what happened yesterday. Further questions should be put upon the Paper.

Mr. SWAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the reason why Nationalists and Sinn Feiners were deprived of their votes in this election, owing to the want of protection?

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member has any information or any allegation, he should put it down in terms on the Paper.

Mr. J. JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that statements have appeared in the public Press, not in one paper, but in a number, to the effect that Ulster Volunteers, who are to-day part of the forces of the Crown, have been inside the polling stations preventing the people from voting, and will he make inquiries into that statement?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

As I have already stated, if any specific case of intimidation or misuse of armed forces be brought to my notice I shall naturally inquire into it, be the first to condemn it, and I hope successfully to deal with it.