§ 50. Mr. PRATTasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the decision of the Government not to take criminal proceedings against the persons involved in the recent illegal importation of arms into Ulster, a similar attitude is to be adopted towards women in this country who are charged with lawlessness in pursuit of political ends?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that the two cases are parallel.
§ Mr. PRATTWill the right hon. Gentleman not take into consideration alike the expediency and justice in the circumstances of the present time of making some concession to brave, determined women whose cause has been vindicated—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must give notice of that question.
Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDArising out of the answer in regard to the alleged importation of arms, might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can give an assurance that there is no truth in the statement, which I have seen, that persons said to be responsible for the importation of these arms are going to figure prominently in the coming Birthday Honours List?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt would be contrary to public policy to make any statement on that question.
§ Captain PIRIEIs it not the case that in the first aspect of this matter a masterly inactivity is much preferable to an awkward activity?
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the Prime Minister inform the House by what statutory or other authority he suspends part of the criminal law in Ireland at present?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe criminal law is not suspended in Ireland.
§ Mr. GINNELLWhy, then, have no prosecutions been instituted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is always a matter for the discretion of the Executive.