HC Deb 20 February 1922 vol 150 cc1495-6
Viscount CURZON (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information to show how it was that Lieutenant Genochio, of the Royal Engineers, came to be detained by Republicans in the Cork Lunatic Asylum and was afterwards murdered by them; and whether the Irish Provisional Government is in any way responsible?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The only information yet available in regard to the death of this officer is that he left his quarters in Victoria Barracks, Cork, on the even ing of the 15th inst. in plain clothes, to go for a walk, and that nothing more was heard of him until 11 a.m. on the 17th inst., when he was shot dead on the public road near the Cork Lunatic Asylum, about three-quarters of a mile outside the borough boundary. No clue as to his murderers has yet been obtained, but investigations are being actively pursued.

Since the above answer was prepared, I have received the following message from Dublin: The Provisional Government are making exhaustive enquiry into the circumstances of this officer's death. They say that we may rest assured that justice will be done. They have not yet received the full facts of the case, but they expect them to-day.

Viscount CURZON

Can His Majesty's Government express sympathy with the relatives, and horror that a British officer has been shot down in the street in this way?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have already telegraphed in appropriate terms to the father of this officer, expressing sympathy. I quite agree with the Noble Lord it is a detestable outrage.

Mr. DEVLIN

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information from the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland as to the people who are still being shot in Belfast?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No. I hope there is no attempt to try to settle this Irish difficulty by competitive crime.

Mr. DEVLIN

I think that is a most uncalled for observation. A question has been put in regard to this murder in the South of Ireland, and the right hon. Gentleman has shown no resentment. Am I not entitled to put a question when my own constituents are being murdered in Belfast?

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice should be given to me of any questions which hon. Members desire to put after the usual time for questions has expired.