§ Mr. GINNELL(by Private Notice)asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many military prisoners were summarily executed in Dublin last week for participation in the rebellion there; what was the alleged offence of those of them who were neither leaders nor signatories of the republican proclamation; what was the length of interval between capture, sentence, and execution; what facilities were afforded them for religious preparation for death; whether all were allowed the ministrations of priests of their own choice; and whether any more are to be executed before this House is afforded an opportunity of discussing the matter?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe hon. Member's question only reached my hands at twelve o'clock this morning. On the points mentioned I am not in possession of information other than that contained in the public Press.
§ Mr. GINNELLCannot the right hon.-Gentleman answer the last clause of the question—whether any more are to be executed before this House is afforded an opportunity of discussing the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will answer that. I cannot give any such undertaking.
§ Mr. GINNELLMurder!
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTWill my right hon. Friend keep constantly before him recent precedents in South Africa, with a view to seeing whether any lessons can be learned there which will promote the security and well-being of the United Kingdom as the security and well-being of South Africa have been promoted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. Friend may rest assured that we are keeping that most carefully in view.
§ Sir W. BYLESI have not got a definite answer to my question as to whether the first executions, at any rate, were decided by the Cabinet or by the military authorities uncontrolled?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThey were decided by the military authorities.
Sir H. DALZIELAre all the officers and men now accounted for or is there still a large number missing?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI must have notice of that question.