HC Deb 03 July 1916 vol 83 cc1221-2W
Mr. KING

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received from the solicitor to Mrs. Sheehy-Skeffington a letter dated 13th June, containing a number of serious allegations concerning the court-martial of the officer who murdered her husband; whether any reply has been sent to this letter; and whether the promised public inquiry will now be granted as Mrs. Skeffington requests?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Westmeath on the 28th June, to which I am afraid I can add nothing at present.

Mr. KING

asked whether Captain Bowen Colthurst was on 1st May placed in command of the defences of Portobello Barracks, Dublin; whether this was in the nature of an advancement or removal to a position of less responsibility than that previously held by him; how long Captain Colthurst was in command of the defences of Portobello Barracks; and where is he at the present time?

Mr. TENNANT

As has been announced, arrangements have been made for the immediate removal of Captain Bowen Colthurst to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum. The points raised in the first two parts of this question were before the court-martial, and it does not seem necessary to add anything in regard to them. Captain Colthurst was in command of the defences of Portobello Barracks from the 3rd until the 5th May, when he left Dublin with the Battalion Advanced party.

Mr. KING

asked whether Major Sir Francis Vane was the superior officer of Captain Bowen Colthurst during the time of the rebellion in Dublin in April and May last; whether Major Vane was examined as witness by the court-martial which tried Captain Colthurst; and, if not, why he was not called?

Mr. TENNANT

Major Sir Francis Vane "was, owing to his rank, Captain Bowen Colthurst's superior officer. Those responsible for the prosecution saw no necessity to call this officer as a witness.

Mr. KING

asked whether Captain Colthurst was protected by his superior officers after he had murdered Mr. Sheehy Skeffington; and whether it was only by the direct orders of Lord Kitchener that he was placed under arrest at Dublin on 6th May?

Mr. TENNANT

There is no truth in the allegations contained in my hon. Friend's question.

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