HC Deb 04 April 1922 vol 152 cc2008-9
25. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to furnish the House with information in regard to the number of persons killed and wounded during the past month in the course of the disturbances in Belfast, and in particular the numbers of Protestants and Catholics, respectively, who have been killed or wounded during that period?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Churchill)

I have obtained a return from the Minister of Home Affairs for Northern Ireland giving the figures required for the period 10th February to 26th March. They are as follow:

  • Protestants: Killed 32, wounded 86.
  • Catholics: Killed 51, wounded 115.
In addition one military officer and six police, of whom three were Catholics, have been killed, and six soldiers and 11 police, of whom five were Catholics, have been wounded.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the new arrangement with regard to the distribution of Protestants and Catholics in the police force has been satisfactory?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is hardly likely that in a few days the complete transformation of this force in Belfast could have been achieved.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are in Belfast as in other parts of Ireland loyal Catholics who are just as liable to be murdered by the murder gang as the loyal Protestants?

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