HC Deb 01 May 1922 vol 153 c986
Colonel NEWMAN

(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has been in communication with the Government of the Irish Free State as to the massacres of Protestants in South-West Cork, and what information he can give to the House?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I have been in communication with the Provisional Government with regard to this, and I am assured that no effort will be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Rear-Admiral ADAIR

May I ask the Lord Privy Seal of what avail it is to refer these outrages to the so-called Provisional Government?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Would the right hon. Gentleman state whether in any single case of these murders there has yet been any prosecution instituted?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I must have notice of that question.

Mr. RONALD McNEILL

In view of the answer given, that the right hon. Gentleman has made inquiries of the Provisional Government, may I ask whether His Majesty's Government here have now totally abandoned these loyalists, who are exposed to expropriation and assassination?