HC Deb 23 May 1916 vol 82 cc1965-6
Mr. GINNELL

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the report is correct that Professor Owen MacNeill is being tried by court-martial in camera; if so, what is the statutory authority for this procedure; and whether he will immediately order the trial to be made public and Mr. MacNeill's evidence to be taken by civil commission of inquiry?

The PRIME MINISTER

I only just now received notice of this question. I believe it is the case that Professor MacNeill is being tried by court-martial. The proceedings are not public. The statutory authority is the Defence of the Realm Act—

Mr. GINNELL

What Section?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Section of the Act under which many of these trials have already taken place. No trial has taken place in Ireland except under the authority of the Defence of the Realm Act.

Mr. HEALY

Then you must be in a very bad way!

Mr. GINNELL

In view of the fact that nobody else apparently but himself can find this power in the Act to which he refers will the right hon. Gentleman give me the Section under which it is conferred?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir, but if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question to the Attorney-General, he will supply him with that information.