§ 21. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Home Secretary what steps he is taking to stop Irish enemies of this country from blowing up or damaging British property; and, in particular, will he take steps to acquire powers to deport those Irish who do damage here or become a charge on public funds in this country?
§ 27. Sir Arnold Gridleyasked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement upon the recent bomb outrages directed against important points on the public electricity supply systems; and whether adequate protective measures have been, and will continue to be, taken to frustrate any further similar outrages, in view of the special importance of maintaining power supply to factories at the present time?
§ Sir S. HoareAs a result of inquiries undertaken by the police in connection with the explosions which occurred on 16th January, 33 persons have been arrested and have been charged with various offences relating to explosive substances and firearms. As the cases are sub judice, I am unable to make any further statement at the moment beyond saying that the police are continuing their inquiries and taking all steps possible to prevent further outrages. The suggestion that our laws should be altered so as to enable British subjects to be deported from the United Kingdom raises general issues of far-reaching importance which cannot properly be dealt with by means of question and answer.
§ Mr. PetherickWith regard to the last part of Question No. 21, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it is highly 350 inconsistent to desire to deport Irishmen who become a charge on British funds while allowing large numbers of foreign refugees to come to this country?
§ Mr. GallacherWould it not be very desirable, in order to eliminate any further possibility of trouble, to abolish partition and allow Ireland to become, as it should be, a united country?