asked the Minister for External Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a newspaper report of an inquest held at Melksham, Wilts., England, into the circumstances surrounding the death at Melksham R.A.F. camp of Mr. Thomas Barrett, stated to be a native of County Galway, in which it was stated that two British airmen and a constable subdued deceased by tying and handcuffing him and by putting a blanket over his head, and that the jury returned a verdict of death from lack of oxygen during an acute mania; and, if so, whether he will take the matter up with the British Home Department with a view to getting a full report on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irishman's Death in England.
I saw the newspaper account of the case referred to and I am at present awaiting a full report. I prefer not to make any comment on the matter until I have had an opportunity of considering the full report.