§ 45. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the general amnesty granted to all political offenders by all the Allied Powers on entering into the War and the entire absence of evil consequences anywhere, it is with the sanction of the present Government a contrary policy is pursued in Ireland, newspapers being suppressed without trial and men being sentenced to long terms of imprisonment with hard labour for the peaceful expression of their opinions on public matters; and whether, in view of the contrast between this policy and the professed principles of the present Government, the prudence of persisting in it at the present time will be reconsidered?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am unable to follow the hon. Member in the analogy of circumstances and contrast of treatment which he draws in the first part of his question. The offences in regard to which action has been taken in Ireland under the Defence of the Realm Acts have all been committed since the outbreak of the War, and, as I have already stated, such action has been, and will continue to be, confined within the narrowest limits consistent with the safety of the Realm and the successful prosecution of the War.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the right hon. Gentleman explain the difference between the announcement just made by the Attorney-General that nobody has been punished in the Metropolitan area for statements prejudicial to recruiting, whilst they are sentenced to long terms of imprisonment with hard labour in Ireland for the same offence?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know anything about the same offence, but I know that no corresponding language has been used in the Metropolitan area.