HC Deb 08 March 1867 vol 185 cc1548-9
MR. H. HERBERT

said, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether Government have reconsidered their policy with reference to those implicated with the Fenian movement and those taken in arms, and if they have determined to change this policy, whether it would not be expedient to make it immediately known, in order to prevent others joining in the outbreak; and, whether Martial Law will be proclaimed in those districts where outbreaks occur?

MR. WALPOLE

I believe, Sir, that all the districts where outbreaks have occurred have been proclaimed; but I hardly know to what the hon. Gentleman refers when he asks whether the Government have reconsidered their policy in dealing with the Fenians?

MR. H. HERBERT

said, he was aware that districts had been proclaimed, but understood that they had not been put under martial law.

MR. WALPOLE

No, certainly not.

MR. H. HERBERT

said, he wished to know whether the Government intend to proclaim martial law?

MR. WALPOLE

That is a question which the Government must determine, and I am not now prepared to give an answer.