HC Deb 30 May 1921 vol 142 cc581-3
81. Mr. J. JONES

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the case of a number of Dublin painters who, on the 6th instant, whilst proceeding to their work at Rathcoole by motor car, having sustained a puncture in one of the types, were confronted with a party of members of the Royal Air Force with firearms in their hands, and ordered to hold up their hands; that several shots were fired, one of which hit the artificial leg of Mr. Doran, completely shattering it; that the soldiers used threatening language, and passed remarks to the effect that as some of their comrades had been shot the preceding night somebody would have to go under for it; whether an application for compensation to make good Mr. Doran's leg has been received; and whether, in view of the unwarranted action of the soldiers, it is proposed to grant the compensation asked?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)

The Commander-in-Chief informs me that on 6th May a party of Royal Air Force, while proceeding to Dublin by lorry, encountered a motor car which halted in front of them, and from which six men dismounted. As this particular section of the road had been the scene of ambushes of Royal Air Force vehicles during the preceding fortnight, and as the attitude of these men appeared suspicious, the non-commissioned officer in command decided to search them. They were ordered to hold up their hands, but did not all comply, whereupon two shots were fired in the air to emphasise the orders. The non-commissioned officer examined the whole party, and, satisfied with their bonâ fides, allowed them to proceed. Although the normal duties of the Royal Air Force do not include the searching of suspected civilians, it is obvious that if Crown forces are subject to murderous attacks they must take steps to protect themselves. I am informed that Mr. Doran made a statement to the police shortly after the incident alleging that his artificial leg had been damaged by a bullet, and that he has lodged an application for compensation, which will, of course, be duly considered.

Mr. JONES

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the affidavits which I sent him in connection with this question, and has he any reply to make upon them?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

This reply I have prepared myself, and I am convinced that it is a correct representation of the facts.

Mr. JONES

When can the right hon. Gentleman give the decision as to whether this man was entitled to compensation, as the right hon. Gentleman admits he was innocent of any offence?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

As soon as possible. Of course, if the man has suffered he should be compensated.

Mr. LYLE-SAMUEL

If the right hon. Gentleman believes that this man has been hit by a bullet in an artificial leg, will he withdraw the statement, which he has just made to the House, that they fired in the air?

Captain W. BENN

(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary whether a proclamation has been issued by the military governor commanding the Kerry Brigade ordering the closing of creameries as a punishment to the inhabitants of certain districts; whether such proclamation was made with the assent of the Cabinet; and whether the sufferers have been invited to rebutt the evidence upon which such punishment is alleged to be founded?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that it has been decided to close a limited number of creameries in the martial law area in localities where outrages have been frequent, where road-cutting and other forms of sabotage are prevalent, and where other punishments and restrictions have not had the desired effect. The number of creameries to be closed in any one area is at present limited to three. Military governors who adopt this form of punishment are instructed to announce publicly by means of proclamation, or through the local Press, the reason why each creamery is closed, and the duration of the closure. In regard to the last part of the question, these measures are not taken against specific individuals, but are intended to bring home to the inhabitants of the locality generally their responsibility for outrages committed with their knowledge and connivance.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have been in communication with the three creameries, and is he aware that the military governor gives no reason for closing these three creameries other than that the farmers did not prevent the roads being trenched; but if the farmers are not allowed to have arms, how can they be expected to prevent the operations of the Irish Republican Army? Where is the sense of punishing these men for crimes they cannot possibly prevent?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

No one regrets more than I do the need for these drastic Regulations—

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Crocodile tears!

Sir H. GREENWOOD

But that part of Ireland is under martial-law and, while insurrection, assassination, and outrage continues—

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

There have been no ambushes in that area!

Sir H. GREENWOOD

—the Commander-in-Chief shall certainly have my endorsement in taking what steps he considers necessary.