HC Deb 01 March 1917 vol 90 c2139
24. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in the event of his desiring to put martial law into force again in Ireland, a Proclamation of the Lord Lieutenant would be required; and, if so, whether he will advise a return to the condition of government that existed before the last Proclamation?

Mr. DUKE

No new Proclamation is contemplated, but I do not anticipate that the provisions of the Regulations which are in force under the Defence of the Realm Acts can be relaxed.

Mr. LYNCH

If a Proclamation is not necessary, does not that in itself prove that martial law is still in existence?

Mr. DUKE

That is a matter of argument. I tried to demonstrate by argument quite recently that that view is mistaken, but I appear not to have convinced the hon. Member.

Mr. LYNCH

Is not this a sort of experiment?

Mr. FLAVIN

As a matter of fact is it open to argument?

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