§ 46. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister if he will specify the authority under which a notice issued by General Maxwell was posted at the police stations an the districts most infested, warning any 1804 who might be harbouring rebels that they were liable to be arrested and to have their homes destroyed; what is the specific authority under which soldiers were to judge whether unarmed persons were or were not rebels; what is the specific authority under which soldiers were, without trial, to destroy the homes of those harbouring such persons; and whether, in such matters, he will give the House information from any independent source, or from any source but General Maxwell?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am informed that there is no truth in the allegations contained in this question.
§ Mr. GINNELLWas the right hon. Gentleman's attention called to the substance of this question appearing in the "Times" of the 4th May, page 6, column 2, and if that statement was inaccurate, why was it not corrected?
§ Mr. SPEAKERReally we cannot have statements appearing in newspapers assumed to be correct. If the hon. Member asks as to any facts he must ask them upon his own responsibility, and not upon that of a newspaper.
§ Mr. GINNELLMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman denies that the notice mentioned in the question has been posted throughout Ireland?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am unable to give a reply as to what has or has not been posted in Ireland unless I am asked a specific question.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the right hon. Gentleman answer this question: Whether this notice has, or has not, been posted throughout Ireland?
§ Mr. TENNANTI have already requested the Irish Government to give me the information contained in the allegation in this question, and I am informed there is no truth whatever in it.
§ Colonel YATEIs it right that action taken by a General Officer Commanding under martial law should be questioned in this House?
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYWe are not going to sit here and see our people shot. We are not in Prussia.