HC Deb 07 April 1921 vol 140 cc456-8W
Mr. F. HALL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Margaret McGuinness, 16, of 2, Main Street, Longford, was arrested on or about 1st February and conveyed to Longford Military Hospital; whether she was detained for over a week without any female to attend upon her; whether she was then removed to Athlone Barracks; whether any charge has been preferred against her; and the reason for her arrest?

Mr. HENRY

Margaret McGuinness is aged nineteen and not sixteen, as stated in the question. She was arrested in connection with the discovery in another house of a large number of seditious documents belonging to her, and proceedings are about to be taken against her in respect of these documents. She was detained for five days in Longford Barracks owing to the absence of accommodation elsewhere, but every possible care was taken to ensure that she was properly treated, and she made no complaint. She was then removed to Athlone Hospital, where she remained until her committal to Mountjoy Prison on 20th March.

Mr. WATERSON

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will now give the names of the special constables concerned in looting or robbery at Clones?

Mr. HENRY

The names of the special constables who are now under arrest and awaiting trial are: John Mathers, J. Crawford, Frank Boyd, Alfred Forster, J. Bailey, J. Toland, G. Hamilton, John Elwood, and another named Patterson, whose Christian name is not given.

Mr. MYERS

asked the Chief Secretary whether Mr. T. J. M'Kenna, a railway clerk, was wrongfully arrested in Greenore by members of the auxiliary police force on the night of 22nd March, and that, on being released two days later and reporting to the head constable in Dundalk to complain of the treatment he had received, he was detained and held prisoner in the Dundalk military barracks until the 1st instant, when he was removed, under military escort, to Belfast, although no charge had been preferred; and whether he will take steps immediately to have this man liberated from detention and reinstated in his railway employment?

Mr. HENRY

I have asked for a report on this matter. If the hon. Member will kindly repeat his question some day next week, I shall be glad to furnish him with the information.