HC Deb 23 June 1921 vol 143 cc1568-9W
Captain W. BENN

asked the Chief Secretary why George Maguire, of Newtownstewart, an ex-soldier in receipt of a 90 per cent. disability pension, and granted an allowance from the military authorities for the purchase of a motor hackney car, has been refused a permit by the police authorities, application for which was supported by two justices of the peace; why, when attending at the police court to show documents which he had received from the competent military authority, Derry, among them being a letter from the competent military authority stating that if he could still satisfy him by evidence that he was a suitable person a permit might be given, he was arrested and detained for two days; why the police retained his papers on his release; whether an inquiry can be made into this man's case; and whether any redress will be offered?

Mr. HENRY

This man was refused a permit as the police were unable to recommend him as a suitable person to be in possession of a motor vehicle on account of the pronounced rebel activities of certain members of his family. He was detained for two days pending inquiries as to his unexplained possession of certain official documents. These documents were rightly retained by the police, and the question of redress for their retention, therefore, does not arise.