HC Deb 30 May 1921 vol 142 cc584-5

4.0 P.M.

Captain W. BENN

(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary whether, in the case of the trial of two men in Limerick, the Judge-Advocate stated that there was no doubt that the prisoners had been beaten; whether anyone has been punished for this action, or any general order issued forbidding the maltreatment of prisoners?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

This occurred in the martial law area, and the Commander-in-Chief informs me that he is awaiting a report, which has been called for, regarding the statement of the Judge-Advocate. Perhaps the Noble Lord (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck), who also has a question on this subject, and the hon. and gallant Member will repeat their questions one day later this week.

Captain BENN

Has the right hon. Gentleman issued any order which will cause the discontinuance of this practice?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I do not admit that there is any such practice. If the facts be as stated, it is not enough to attribute it to British military officers who are trying to do their duty to suppress crime by whomsoever committed.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

If the action has not been committed, why does the Judge-Advocate say it has been committed? Do you not believe your own officer?

Captain BENN

I desire to move the Adjournment of the House in order to call attention to this matter, and I wish to ask you, Sir, whether, if I wait until to-morrow to hear the report, I shall prejudice my claim to move the Adjournment of the House by having lost urgency?

Mr. SPEAKER

No; I think, in view of the answer which has been given saying that the report has been called for, the hon. and gallant Member will not lose his opportunity, if he defer that proposal until to-morrow. Perhaps it would be better to make it Wednesday, to make sure.

Captain W. BENN

Then I beg to give notice that I shall repeat this question to-morrow, when, presumably, the report will have been received.

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I cannot say.