§ Mr. LAWSONasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn 45W to the statement in the "Freeman's Journal," with regard to the raid on its offices on 29th April, that the gentleman attacked by an auxiliary on that occasion is still in the hands of a doctor, and it is doubtful whether he will ever recover his eyesight, and that he denies having deserved such treatment; that on the same occasion four other members of the staff were assaulted, others threatened, and an American journalist warned to leave the country; and whether he will give orders for a further inquiry into this case?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have seen the statement referred to and I am having further inquiries made in the matter.
§ Mr. A. HERBERTasked the Chief Secretary whether Robert Stone, of Killusty, near Fethard, was shot dead on the 16th instant while taking two horses to water; whether an inquiry has yet been held into this case and with what result; whether subsequently on the 18th several shops, houses, and farm buildings in Killusty were burnt; and whether he has any evidence as to who were responsible for this destruction?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe coroner's inquiry in this case found that deceased was wilfully murdered on 16th April by some person or persons unknown. As regards the last part of the question, I have asked the Commander-in-Chief for a report, as this place is in the martial law area.
§ Mr. A. HERBERTasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on 16th May a party of about 130 men and women students from University College, Cork, went down in a steam launch to East Ferry, near Queenstown, for a picnic; that on arrival they called at the coastguard station to ask whether they would be safe and were allowed to proceed; that they remained not far from the coastguard station till six o'clock, when they re-embarked; that just after, as they re-passed the station, a party of Marines in charge of an officer rushed down to the landing-stage shouting, "Halt," and at the same moment fired a volley at the launch, wounding three young women and one man; and that the launch halted immediately and was boarded by the Marines who searched all the men but gave no sort of explanation or apology for the firing; whether there 46W was any reason for this firing; and whether any inquiry has been held or arrests made?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThis refers to the martial law area, and I have asked the Commander-in-Chief for a report. If the hon. Member will put the question down again for Thursday, I hope to be in a position to reply.