HC Deb 24 October 1916 vol 86 cc960-1W
Mr. LUNDON

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in connection with the statement made by Mr. M'Neill against Major Price, he has satisfied himself that the name of Sergeant Jones was given as being part and parcel of the conspiracy to associate the names of two hon. Members of the House of Commons with the rising of Easter week; where is Jones now stationed, and will he be asked for a statement on the subject; and, in view of the assertion made that there is nothing in the whole case, will he explain why Major Price and Sergeant Jones are prevented from justifying themselves before a proper tribunal, and not have them go on in the public service with a stigma which will for ever cover them with dishonour and deceit?

Mr. DUKE

The charge of conspiracy contained in this question is made now for the first time. I believe it is entirely unfounded. Sergeant Jones denies the various statements which have been made about him. Whether there is a stigma upon him is a matter of opinion. I do not think there is.

Mr. ANEURIN WILLIAMS

asked the Home Secretary whether Major Price, county inspector of Carlow, was in charge of a party of constabulary who fired on the populace at Newmarket, county Cork?

Mr. SAMUEL

My hon. Friend is no doubt referring to a reply which I gave to a question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Dublin Harbour on the 7th August last, to the effect that Major Price was in charge of a party of constabulary on the occasion in question. I am glad to have an opportunity of explaining that that reply was unfortunately wrongly reported in the Daily Debates. The words I actually used were as followsNo; it is another officer of the name of Price. Perhaps I should correct that An Inspector Price was in charge of the police on the occasion referred to by the hon. Member, but I am not sure that his description of the occurrence is accurate. The Major Price who was the subject of the question never served in county Cork and was not in charge of any police in that county on the occasion referred to or on any other occasion.