HC Deb 15 May 1916 vol 82 cc1125-6
74. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will say what were the terms that P. H. Pearse asked for before his surrender; why his expressed desire to see his mother between sentence and execution was refused;; why the letters and other matter written by him immediately before his death have not yet been delivered to the persons to whom they were addressed; when they will be delivered; and, seeing that the position of William Pearse in the Volunteer Force was quite a subordinate one, what ground was there for executing him other than his relationship to P. H. Pearse?

Mr. TENNANT

P. H. Pearse surrendered unconditionally. His desire to see his mother before his execution was not refused, but every endeavour was made to meet it, the Reverend Father Aloysius being sent in a motor car to bring her to him. Owing, however, to the firing which was still going on the car was unable to get through. All letters and papers written by him immediately before his death were delivered to the persons to whom they were addressed on the 3rd May. William Pearse was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by court-martial, and the General Officer Commanding duly confirmed the sentence.

Mr. GINNELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, although Mr. Pearse ultimately surrendered unconditionally, what terms he asked in the first instance?

Mr. TENNANT

No, Sir, I am quite unable to say.

Mr. GINNELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why his young brother, a minor in every respect, condition, and age, and not a signatory of the republican proclamation, has been shot?

Mr. TENNANT

He was convicted by a court-martial.

Mr. GINNELL

Was he convicted of any offence but that of being a brother of P. H. Pearse?