HC Deb 05 March 1917 vol 91 cc24-6
45. Mr. DILLON

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the pledge given by the late Prime Minister, on the 24th October, 1916, that he would arrange to have the proceedings of the Dublin courts-martial now published; and whether he will see that this promise is carried into effect without further delay?

Mr. GINNELL

Before this question is answered, I desire to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the repeated promise of the late Prime Minister applied to all the courts-martial at that time in Ireland, especially to that in county Cork, and whether his answer will cover that?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

This subject has been carefully considered by the Government, who have come to the conclusion that in present circumstances it would be most detrimental to the public interest to publish these Reports.

Mr. DILLON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether this was not carefully considered in October last by the Government, which consisted mainly of the same men, and that then they gave a pledge in the House to publish these Reports? What has occurred since October to induce them to change their mind?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know how far the hon. Gentleman will desire to carry that view, but the other day he himself in this House, in the course of the Debate, used a sentence describing the situation in Ireland which showed the gravity of that situation, and which, I should think, is a sufficient answer to the question he now asks.

Mr. DILLON

On the contrary, the situation in Ireland has been greatly exaggerated by the recent course of proceedings which have been adopted.

Mr. DEVLIN

Was not the right hon. Gentleman a member of the Cabinet when it was decided to publish these Reports, and was not the pledge given on behalf of the right hon. Gentleman as well as the others?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, I was a member of the Cabinet, but surely the view is not held that if a Minister in answer to a question states what course the Government intend to pursue, then no matter what might be the effect of circumstances and no matter to what extent, on further examination, circumstances are seen to have changed, a member of that Government should not alter his opinion!

Mr. DEVLIN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the purpose in asking this question was not to secure this information which would prove that these men were innocent; and that we want to know on what evidence these innocent men were sentenced?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have no doubt that is the object in putting the question. The Government have definitely come to the conclusion that in present circumstances to publish these Reports would be to reopen memories of the rebellion and would do nothing but harm.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the promise was made that these Reports should be published certain Ministers have referred to the contents of these documents and used arguments founded upon them and alluded to the heinous nature of some of the offences said to have been committed.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am told that that has been most carefully avoided by every Minister.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the prisoners and their friends are denied the right of taking legal proceedings in connection with evidence which is absolutely untrue and upon which they were convicted?

Mr. DEVLIN

Are we to take this as an additional reason why we cannot believe in promises made by the Government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think that would be a very wrong deduction to make. It seems to me that this whole view is wrong. The House of Commons and the Government are not two independent powers in this matter, making treaties with each other. The House of Commons is the master, and if it chooses to insist upon publication it can do so; if it does not so insist it may be assumed that it acquiesces in the decision of the Government.

Mr. DILLON

I give notice that, in view of that statement, I shall take the earliest opportunity of moving in this House that the proceedings of the Irish courts-martial shall be published.

Mr. DEVLIN

I give further notice that I shall move, at the earliest possible date, that the first function of a Minister is to-keep his promise.