§ 44. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the officials of the Provisional Government who looted the boxes and kit-bags containing the personal property of a convoy of the Royal Irish Constabulary en route from Cork to Gormanston camp, while halted for the night of 25th February at barracks at Maryborough, recently taken over by the forces of the Provisional Government have been arrested and punished; whether the per- 453 sonal property stolen from the men has been recovered and returned to them; and, if not, whether compensation has been paid by the Provisional Government to policemen, many of whom have lost the whole of their personal belongings while resting for the night in barracks under the control and in the occupation of the Provisional Government?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am informed by the Provisional Government that their inquiry into this matter is still proceeding, but that they are satisfied as a result of the investigations already made that these thefts were committed by some persons not members of the garrison, and that no members of the garrison were implicated. A thorough search has been made for the missing property, and some of it has already been recovered and restored to the police. It is hoped that the remainder will shortly be recovered and restored, and that the thieves will be traced and brought to justice.