§ 4. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, though Ireland is still nominally subject to martial law, offences are being tried under the Defence of the Realm Acts, and those coming before the Courts are made subject to the same mode of trial as though they were charged with a like offence in this country, and if convicted and sentenced cannot have their sentence remitted or reduced at the discretion of the general officer commanding the Irish forces, as would be the case if tried by a military court; and is it intended to substitute for martial law government under the various Regulations of the Defence of the Realm Acts?
§ Mr. DUKECases of the kind referred to in the question are, and always have been, tried under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. There is no difference in procedure or practice as to sentences of courts-martial between Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, and no change is contemplated.
§ Mr. GINNELLAre courts-martial in England in capital cases held in camera, as they are in Ireland?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.
§ Mr. GINNELLIt arises out of the right hon. Gentleman's answer.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member can put a question down.