§ 69. Mr. RHYSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any further information as to the likelihood of the arrest of the perpetrators of the murderous attack on British soldiers at Queenstown about three months ago?
Mr. THOMASI regret that no further information is available, but I am aware 1773 that the Government of the Irish Free State have by no means abandoned hope of bringing to justice the perpetrators of this outrage.
§ Sir W. DAVISONCannot my right hon. Friend say whether he has any information as to what happened to the Rolls-Royce car which was made use of by these men who fired upon our troops? Has it not been found? Do they know who owned it?
§ Mr. HEALYCan the right hon. Gentleman add anything in regard to the number of Northern Nationalists who were killed in Belfast?
Mr. THOMASSo far as we are concerned, we deplore all murder, whether of Nationalists or of Protestants. It is only fair to say that the Free State Government not only issued a reward, but took the risk of naming the individuals that they believed to be responsible for the crime—a very great responsibility on the part of the Government. In replying in debate in the Dail last week they informed the House that they still hoped that they would be able to bring these people to justice.
§ Colonel ASHLEYDoes the Free State Government propose to pay any compensation to the relatives of these men?
Mr. THOMASI have already stated to the House that that was the first thing the Free State Government did—to compensate the relatives.