HC Deb 29 March 1922 vol 152 cc1332-3
74. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total number of outrages to person or property which have been committed in Southern Ireland since the signing of the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty; how many persons have been arrested in connection with these outrages; how many have been brought to trial; and how many convictions have been obtained?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I regret that it is not possible to furnish the hon. Member with the figures for which he asks. I will make inquiry of the Provisional Government, but I presume they have not as yet been able to set up the necessary machinery for the collection of judicial and criminal statistics. I am, however, assured that they are taking—in circumstances which, as the House is well aware, are exceedingly difficult—all possible steps to apprehend and bring to trial persons guilty of outrage.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any cases where convictions have been obtained?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I cannot answer a question like that offhand.

Sir W. DAVISON

It is on the Paper!

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I cannot answer a question like that without notice, and I am sure that the House will appreciate that. The Provisional Government of Ireland is responsible for the government of that country—[HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"]—exercise responsibility for the government of that country, and there are no means except through that Government of securing statistics of this and similar matters to which hon. Members refer.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Colonial Secretary has on several occasions informed the House that the British Government is still responsible for law and order in Southern Ireland?

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman also secure from the Northern Government, which has all its machinery in operation, similar facts to those asked for by hon. Members opposite?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

Arising out of the answer—

Mr. SPEAKER

Colonel Norton-Griffiths.