HC Deb 24 February 1921 vol 138 cc1152-4W
Mr. GRUNDY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that on the 8th instant two members of the Black and Tans attacked St. Patrick's Catholic Parish Church, the national schools, and several dwelling-houses in Chapel St. Elphin; that they broke 11 large lead-light painted glass windows in the church, 72 panes of glass in the schools, and a number of windows in the private dwelling-houses, the damage done amounting to £200; that the culprits were caught in the act by the sergeant in charge of the Elphin Barracks; whether any disciplinary measures have been taken; if not, the reason why; and whether compensation for the damage done will be paid by the Government?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Two constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary have been arrested in connection with this damage. With regard to the latter part of the question it is open to the owners of the damaged property to claim compensation in the usual way under the Criminal Injuries Act.

Mr. GRUNDY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, on the 22nd September, 1920, a young man named Condle was seized in the street by members of the Crown Forces under the command of an officer and shot; whether his wife, who was with him, pleaded with the officer in charge for her husband's life; whether any inquiry has been made into this man's death; and, if so, what the findings of the inquiry have been?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question by the Noble Lord the Member for South Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish- Bentinck) on the 21st instant.

Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has made inquiries into the affidavit sworn by Joseph Murphy, of 22, Killarney Street, Dublin, concerning the information which he received from his brother James Murphy when dying of bullet wounds in hospital; is he aware that the affidavit states that James Murphy was arrested, searched in Dublin Castle, acquitted of any crime against the law, and sent back to his home under escort for the purpose of his safety, as it was after curfew hour, and further states that on the way home he and his companion were removed from the lorry by their escort, shot, and left for dead on a piece of waste ground; and whether he can produce any evidence in refutation of this affidavit sworn before Cecil George Stapleton, commissioner of oaths, No. 29, Molesworth Street, Dublin?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Two members of the Auxiliary Division and one other person are now under arrest, and will be charged with the murder of James Murphy.

Mr. F. HALL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he proposes to publish as a Parliamentary Paper the Report made to him by County Court Judge Bodkin?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has investigated the circumstances recited in Judge Bodkin's Report in regard to the alleged murder of Mr. Daniel Egan's son by the police; and whether he will state why District-Inspector Gynne did not appear in court when Judge Bodkin had adjourned the case for a week to secure his production?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The finding in the military court of inquiry held in lieu of inquest in this case was that Egan was shot in attempting to escape arrest on the 16th November last. The district inspector referred to attended the court of inquiry and gave evidence. In view of the finding of the court of inquiry the district inspector's refusal to attend the hearing of the claim for compensation on the ground of alleged malicious injury was fully justified.

Captain COOTE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland in how many cases of alleged reprisals allegations have been made against the Black-and-Tans, the Royal Irish Constabulary, and the military forces, respectively?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I cannot undertake to compile lists of allegations made against the Forces in Ireland.

Back to
Forward to