§ Sir W. DAVISON(by Private Notice)asked the Chief Secretary whether the police in Belfast last night raided a yard in Kent Street, where they found a loyalist citizen under sentence of death in charge of three armed Sinn Fein guards; whether a wireless installation and other military plant were captured at the same time; and what steps he is taking to protect loyal citizens of Belfast and elsewhere in Ireland from being kidnapped and condemned to death?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODMr. Arthur W. Hunt was kidnapped by armed men who styled themselves members of the Irish Republican Army on the 22nd ult. The 28 police got information of his whereabouts last night, surrounded the house, forced an entrance, and found him in charge of three armed civilians. Mr. Hunt, who believed himself to be under sentence of death, was released, and his guards were arrested. There was also discovered a wireless installation and other military material. As regards the last part of the question, Belfast is under the control of the military authorities. Any further steps that may be required will be taken after consultation with the responsible authorities concerned, including the Government of Northern Ireland.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the men who proposed to execute this loyal citizen will be punished?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThese men are under arrest, and they will be dealt with in the ordinary way.
§ Mr. DEVLINMay I ask whether three loyal citizens were not recently murdered at the dead of night by special constables in Dublin, whether the men who committed this crime have been brought to justice, and whether there has been any protest from the other side against the murder of these innocent men?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise here.