§ 45. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that in the case of charges against soldiers of looting in houses in Dublin entered by them for the purpose of search, and of taking money, watches, and rings from prisoners, the sufferers could have no confidence in the impartiality of a Military Court, a Civil Court will be constituted to deal with these cases and accused soldiers compelled to appear before it; and whether meanwhile the soldiers who searched houses and those who at any time had charge of prisoners will be searched for small valuables for the possession of which they cannot satisfactorily account?
Mr. SAMUELIf there be such cases as these alleged by the hon. Member the offenders are triable by court-martial only. Persons complaining of such acts as are alleged are, however, at liberty to pursue their civil remedy in the ordinary Courts. No new tribunal is necessary. No such search will be made as is suggested in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the right hon. Gentleman give the House the reason why there is to be no such search?
Mr. SAMUELThe reason presumably is that this allegation is one of the vague and unfounded allegations which the hon. Member recklessly puts down upon the Order Paper of the House of Commons every day.
§ Mr. GINNELLIn view of that insolent answer—[Interruption]—I beg to ask what other reason there is for not searching the men unless it is that they have got the articles?