HC Deb 10 May 1916 vol 82 cc627-8
6. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any official or other communication in the nature of remonstrance has yet been received from the American Government on the summary shooting of military prisoners in Ireland and apprehended retaliation on British representatives in America; and whether, on receipt of any such remonstrance, he will give prompt information to this House?

Lord R. CECIL

No communication has been received, and no promise can be made about a contingency which is purely hypothetical.

24. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state how many military prisoners have been executed for participation in the rebellion in Dublin; 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?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Tennant)

Official statements which answer the first part of this question have already been made public. I am not in a position to give the information asked for in the body of the question; and, as regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on the 8th May. My right hon. Friend is answering other questions on this subject to-day.

Mr. GINNELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman not taken any action on the latter part of the question?

Mr. W. O'BRIEN

Does the number of executions published include the case of Mr. Sheehy-Skeffiington and two others who were murdered, without any form of trial, by a subordinate officer?

Mr. TENNANT

I do not know whether it did or did not include the case of Mr. Skeffington or the others. My right hon. Friend is going to give an answer on that subject to-day.