§ Mr. GLANVILLEasked the Chief Secretary whether it is intended, in future, that before houses or property are officially destroyed in the martial-law area a definite statement will be given to their owners as to the reason for their punishment and an opportunity given them to prove their innocence?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) on 21st April.
§ Mr. KENYONasked the Chief Secretary whether two shops were destroyed at King Williamstown, County Kerry, on 624W the 29th January; whether this was a reprisal for an ambush four miles away; whether it was officially authorised; and, if not, whether any disciplinary action has been taken?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe Commander-in-Chief has furnished me with the following report on this matter: A patrol of Auxiliary police operating in King Williamstown on 29th January, 1921, were fired on from a store in the main street. The place was attacked, bombs being used to cover the attacking party. As a result the place caught fire and was burnt out. A search of the village followed, leading to discovery of a second store which showed undoubted signs of recent occupation by the rebels. This was fired by the forces operating in the village without waiting for consultation with the local Military Governor. There is, however, no doubt that in this instance he would have authorised this destruction had the matter been referred to him.
§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Chief Secretary whether any inquiry has yet been held into the killing of one civilian and the wounding of two at Upperchurch, County Tipperary, on 22nd May; and, if so, what is its finding?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the Court of Inquiry in lieu of inquest in the case of Con Gleeson, the man who was killed, found that he was shot by Crown forces in the execution of their duty. According to the evidence, as the Crown forces approached the village several civilians came out from neighbouring houses. They ignored the challenge to halt, and one of them opened fire. The Crown forces then fired in return. When Glee-son's body was examined he was found to be holding an automatic pistol with the magazine partly charged. In all 74 rounds of ammunition were found on the body. The police report that two men were wounded and are in custody. An unwounded prisoner was also captured and found to be in possession of a bullet, a pair of wire cutters and seditious literature.