HC Deb 21 February 1921 vol 138 c573W
Mr. LUNN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government is conscripting the male population of West Cork to assist the Crown forces in combatant service against the Irish Republican Army?

Mr. DEVLIN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland under what statute or legal authority are the military authorities acting in proceeding, in martial law areas, to enroll all Irishmen between the ages of 17 and 50 into platoons or gangs of civil guards with the alleged object of giving information as to ambushes or intended attacks on Crown forces; and what steps does he propose to take to put a stop to this action?

Mr. HENRY

The action to which the hon. Members refer was taken under the authority conferred by the existence of martial law and I do not propose to intervene in the matter. I would remind the hon. Member that it is the undoubted duty of all citizens to assist the forces of the Crown in suppressing murder.