HC Deb 21 June 1915 vol 72 cc929-31
39. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Mr. Sheehy Skeffington, who was recently sentenced under the Defence of the Realm Act, had applied to be tried by a jury; and, if so, why this right was denied him?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

The provisions of the Defence of the Realm Consolidation Regulations, enabling an offender to elect to be tried by a Civil Court with a jury, in lieu of by court-martial, apply only to such cases as the competent military or naval authority, to whom they are referred under Regulation 56 (3), determines cannot adequately be dealt with by a Court of Summary Jurisdiction. Sheehy Skeffington's case was not determined to be such, and it was accordingly tried by a Summary Court, which alone had jurisdiction in view of that determination.

40. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state at whose instance the recent prosecutions of various journalists, Messrs. Milroy, Mac-Dermott, and others, have been undertaken; and whether he will consider the advisability of not instituting further prosecutions of this character?

Mr. BIRRELL

These cases were reported, under Regulation 55 (3) of the Defence of the Realm Consolidation Regulations, to the competent military authority, who, in the exercise of the discretion conferred on him by that Regulation, determined that they should be proceeded with. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 17th instant to a similar question put by the hon. Member for North Westmeath.

Mr. LYNCH

Is the right hon. Gentleman consulted beforehand in regard to these matters?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes, in almost every case, I am.

41. Mr. KELLAWAY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many persons have been prosecuted in Ireland for making statements calculated to prejudice recruiting?

Mr. BIRRELL

The answer is twenty-seven.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in these twenty-seven cases it was alleged against the prisoners that they had been successful in prejudicing recruiting, or was the charge merely that their language was calculated to prejudice recruiting?

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot say that they have been successful in their object.

56. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the recent prosecutions in Dublin of Mr. Sheehy Skeffington, Milroy, MacDermott, and others have had the effect of encouraging recruiting in Ireland or have had the contrary effect; and, if the contrary effect, whether he will, in the public interest, direct that such prosecutions may be discontinued?

Mr. TENNANT

There is room for considerable difference of opinion as to what will or will not affect recruiting adversely or favourably; and however important it is to do nothing to check the steady flow of recruits to the Colours, all policy cannot be determined with sole reference to this consideration.

Sir J. D. REES

Is a Member of this House who discourages recruiting immune from prosecution?

Mr. TENNANT

I do not know that my opinion would be worth very much, and I would recommend the hon. Gentleman to ask the Law Officers of the Crown.

Mr. KELLAWAY

If these statements did not succeed in prejudicing recruiting—

Mr. SPEAKER

These hypothetical matters cannot be debated by questions in the House.