§ Mr. SCANLAN (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether it is true, as stated in a leading English newspaper today, that General Sir John Maxwell is to be withdrawn from Ireland; also whether martial law is now to be withdrawn, and ordinary laws and civil liberty restored to the people of that country?
§ Mr. DUKEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question With regard to the position of Sir John Maxwell, no decision has yet been arrived at. That must be a matter involved in the general policy in regard to administration in Ireland. With regard to martial law, the hon. Member gave notice this morning that he was going to ask a question. It happens that recently the hon. Member 2480 for the Harbour Division of Dublin (Mr. Byrne) had on the Paper a question on the same subject which was not asked. I have here the answer which I proposed to give, and which, I think, deals with the matter to which the hon. Member has directed his question. The answer is in these terms:
"The possibility of an immediate return to normal means of government in Ireland was, as the hon. Member will easily understand, one of the questions which occupied my attention as soon as I became Chief Secretary. It is a question which can only be properly answered upon complete information as to the significance of the events of the past four months, the conditions of the country, and the extent to which it is possible or probable that the peace may be again broken in Ireland through the contrivances of foreign enemies or the folly or wickedness of individuals at home. I am not at this moment possessed of such knowledge as would in my opinion warrant the Government in dispensing with any of the existing securities for peace and good order. At the present time martial law, in the ordinary sense of the words; is not in active operation in Ireland; there is no more interference there with the ordinary course of life of law abiding people than there is in Great Britain under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. Less than four months, however, have elapsed since the occurrence of an outbreak which had most tragic consequences, and I believe the well being of the country will be better secured by making sure that there is no needless interference with individual freedom than by proclaiming in advance of the facts that Ireland has reverted to normal conditions. Nobody will be better pleased than I when I am able to make that declaration, and if it can be properly made at an early date."
§ Mr. SCANLANHow can either the Prime Minister or the Chief Secretary expect normal conditions to be restored so long as Ireland is under a military dictatorship, and martial law is the order under which Ireland is ruled? Further, is the Chief Secretary's present answer consistent with the statement made by the Prime Minister on the 10th May, in reply to the hon. Member for East Mayo, that it was the earnest hope of the Government that normal conditions in Ireland would be restored at the earliest possible moment?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is still the earnest hope of the Government.
§ Mr. LYNCHTowards what end are Ministers directing the government of Ireland at the present moment? Is it the policy of conciliation, or is it the policy of irritation of the general mass of the public? If that be the effect of General Maxwell's regime, which I can assure the Prime Minister it is, will he bring about the recall—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is making a speech.
Mr. HAZLETONArising out of the first part of the reply of the Chief Secretary, I would like to know, when he stated that the recall of General Maxwell has not yet been decided upon, whether that means that it is at present under the consideration of the Government?
§ Mr. DUKEThe condition of Ireland is from day to day under the consideration of the Government, and there is the sincerest anxiety, on the part of the Government, first of all to do nothing which shall cause reasonable provocation to law-abiding citizens in Ireland, and secondly, as soon as it is safe and proper in the interests of Ireland to restore Ireland to a normal state of government.
Mr. HAZLETONThat is not a reply to my question. I asked the right hon. Gentleman was the withdrawal of General Maxwell from Ireland now under the consideration of the Government?
§ Mr. SCANLANCan the Chief Secretary state a single fact in justification of the continued retention of General Maxwell in Ireland?
§ Mr. SCANLANWe shall have the Debate on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman say why, if the Government unanimously decided that the moment had come that self-government should be set up in Ireland, that they are not able to abrogate martial law and restore the ordinary law?
§ The PRIME MINISTERLet me answer that question. Martial law does not exist in Ireland in any real and effective sense. Ireland is toeing governed just as Great Britain is being governed.
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder, order!