§ Mr. DORISasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Lieutenant Russell, of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, and Inspector George Lowe, detective department, Dublin Metropolitan Police, visited the residence of the hon. Member for the College Green Division of Dublin to search his private residence, without any notice being given, and produced no warrant or letter indicating that they had any authority for doing so; what was the object of the visit, by whom it was authorised, and why no written order was given; is he aware that both officers signed a statement to the effect that they were acting under instructions of the competent military authority, under Section 51 of the Defence of the Realm Act, and no further instructions or authority; is he aware that similar raids have taken place in many parts of Ireland by people representing themselves as appointed by the military authorities or by the police, and that property has been stolen as a consequence; and whether he will take steps to render it impossible for anybody without a proper written authority from the responsible parties in power to obtain entry under any pretext to the private residences of citizens?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe facts of the case are as stated. No warrant or written authority is necessary in order to carry out such a search under the Defence of the Realm Act. The house was searched because there was reason to suspect that an offence prejudicial to the defence of the realm was being committed therein. I understand that one case of personation such as suggested did occur in Dublin. In this case however Lieutenant Russell was accompanied by Inspector Love, Dublin Metropolitan Police, who is personally well known to the hon. Member. No cases have transpired to call for special written authority in each case of search, and it is not proposed to alter the existing practice.