§ 47. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government, before introducing the Home Rule Bill, to release all Irish political prisoners and to withdraw the proclamations under the Crimes Act?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.
§ Captain REDMONDMay I ask whether this is a new idea on the part of the Government to enforce conciliation by coercion?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo. It is not an entirely new idea on the part of some people in Ireland to make it necessary.
§ Mr. HOGGEDoes my right hon. Friend not think, if the Government and the House are really in earnest in trying to reach an Irish settlement, that it is very desirable to clear the ground by means of this kind of concession?
§ Mr. MOLESBefore my right hon. Friend answers that question, would he also tell us whether he thinks it would not be desirable, if it is wished to have the ground cleared, that there should be a discontinuance of the programme of murder and outrage?
§ Captain REDMONDBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, would it not be a good idea to clear away the originators of the policy of direct action in Ireland?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe most direct action at the present moment is murder. I should be very glad if the originators could be cleared out.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTMay I ask whether—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe House is rattle, anticipating the Debate on the Home Rule Bill.