HC Deb 01 March 1921 vol 138 cc1621-3W
Lord H. CAVENDISH - BENTINCK

asked the Chief Secretary, with refer- ence to the death of Andrew Moynihan, who was killed by the armed forces of the Crown between Killarney and Tralee on 23rd December, whether, after this man was removed from his home, 50 stacks of his hay, a hay barn, and several stacks of oats belonging to him were burnt?

Mr. HENRY

I am making inquiries into these alleged incidents. As soon as I am in a position to do so, I will communicate the result of these inquiries to the Noble Lord.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Chief Secretary whether several farmhouses with out-offices, hay, straw, etc., were burnt to the ground in the Ballywilliam district as reprisals for the shooting of Constable John Carroll, who was shot dead at Ballycommon; and what purpose an official reprisal of this kind is intended to serve?

Mr. HENRY

Two farmhouses near Ballywilliam were destroyed by military order as a reprisal for the shooting of Constable John Carroll, who was taken from his father's house near that place and murdered in cold blood. Official reprisals of this nature are intended to act as a deterrent to crime.

Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will make inquiries into the circumstances under which the house of a widow living at Caheroncen, Kinvara, was recently burnt to the ground by men alleged to be members of the forces of the Crown; whether seven men who were in the house at the time were stripped of their clothes, which were burned; and whether it is a fact that no attack has been made in that district on forces of the Crown?

Mr. HENRY

My attention has already been called to this matter, and I am having full inquiry made.

Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Chief Secretary whether a party of armed and masked men entered the house of Mr. O'Brien at Garlough, Ballineen, and after an unsuccessful search for Mr. O'Brien's son fired several shots, with the result that Mr. O'Brien was severely wounded; whether, prior to their departure, they set fire to the house; and whether he has any information concerning the identity of these men?

Mr. HENRY

I am informed that the local police have had no complaint as to this occurrence which was not reported to them. They are now making special enquiry.