§ 25. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now give particulars to the House as to the kidnapping and removal of two ex-Royal Irish Constabulary men on their way to England from the Holyhead boat, a British vessel, just before she sailed from Kingstown during the Easter recess; what has happened to these men; what action is being taken by the British Government for the protection of demobilised men of the Royal Irish Constabulary; and what, if any, arrangements have been made with the Provisional Government to secure the protection of demobilised soldiers and other persons who have been in the employ of the British Government from the serious danger to their lives and property with which they are daily threatened?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIn reply to the first part of the question, as soon as the report of this alleged outrage was brought to my notice I made inquiry from the officers of the ship, from the Dublin Metropolitan Police on duty at the quay, and from the Royal Irish Constabulary authorities in Dublin, but could obtain no confirmation of the report. I was further informed that a certain sergeant whose name was given to me was a member of the party upon whom this outrage was committed, and this sergeant has been interviewed, but states that no molestation or interference of any kind between Gormanstown and Kingstown or elsewhere was experienced by the party of which he was a member. I have therefore at present no information leading me to suppose that any such outrage has in fact occurred, but I should welcome and would immediately investigate any further information which may be in the possession of the hon. Member. The second part of the question does not arise. In reply to the remainder of the question, the public discussion of such arrangements as are possible for the protection of persons and property would clearly serve no useful purpose.
§ Sir W. DAVISONI did not ask what arrangements have been made, but if any arrangements have been made which the British Government consider adequate for the protection of the life and property of ex-service men and others in Southern Ireland.
Mr. J. JONESHave any of those who have committed murders in the North of Ireland on Roman Catholic subjects of His Majesty yet been discovered and tried?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThat does not arise upon this question. In reply to my hon. Friend (Sir W. Davison) every step that can be taken has been and is being taken to protect the lives and property of people in Ireland as well as people who leave Ireland and come to this country. It is a most distressing and difficult position, I agree, and I regret that more effective steps, both financially and legally, cannot be taken.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the right hon. Baronet aware that last week the Ross-lare boat was crowded with refugees flying for their lives from Southern Ireland?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODNo, I am not aware of that fact, and I do not believe it.
§ Mr. DEVLINOn a point of Order. Are Members of this House entitled, in asking questions about a country which you have ruled they cannot ask questions about, to make charges of this character?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERHas not the right hon. Baronet already admitted the responsibility of His Majesty's Government, when their old servants come home after their disbandment, to protect their families from being murdered?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is a point on which I have allowed questions.