§ Captain W. BENN(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the beating of prisoners was reprehended by the Judge Advocate in the Limerick trials, and what steps the Government has taken to put a stop to it?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)This arose in the martial law area. I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the ill-treatment of prisoners was disclosed at two separate trials by court-martial at Limerick. In one case the Court gave it as their opinion that the ill-treatment of the accused by the police 807 on this occasion was detestable, and very damaging statements made by the accused shortly after their arrest were not admitted as evidence. In the second case the constable admitted on oath striking an accused man in the absence of his superior officers, and the Judge Advocate, summing up, pointed out that this was the second occasion on which the police were alleged to have beaten an accused man after arrest. He further remarked that he would not admit any statements taken in evidence from accused persons a few minutes after they had had a sound beating, and ruled that a statement made by the accused shortly after his arrest was not admissible against him. The statement of the Judge Advocate were immediately brought to the notice of the Commander-in-Chief and the Divisional Commissioner of Police and orders were at once issued that the allegations of the ill-treatment of the accused were to be made the subject of further and strictest inquiry, and severe disciplinary action taken against the persons found responsible. The inquiry into the conduct of the police referred to is proceeding. Naturally the Government reprobates any such ill-treatment, and every step possible will be taken to prevent any recurrence and to punish every offender. I am circulating the statement of the Judge Advocate throughout the police forces in Ireland.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have given him chapter and verse of this sort of occurrence month after month and can he tell me why it is that only when the matter receives publicity from the excellent action of one of his officers he is taking the necessary steps?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI agree with the hon. and gallant Member in what he says as to the excellence of the action of the Judge Advocate. The House knows that this gentleman is the legal adviser to every court-martial. He is himself a trained lawyer, and I think it is a confirmation of the courage of this officer and of officers like him that they bring to the notice of the Government any breach of discipline or crime by the forces which may come under their notice.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKWhat else would you expect a British officer to do?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI can only assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that every case brought to my notice is searched and probed to the bottom. There is no matter of greater interest to the Government than to preserve unblemished the discipline of the police and other forces.
§ Captain BENNWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly say of what the Judge Advocate stands in fear when he speaks in that fashion?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe only persons the Judge-Advocate or other officers of the Crown stand in fear of in Ireland are the assassins of the Irish Republican Army.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think that that is relevant to the matter which we have in hand.