§ 35. Lieut.-Colonel Sir SAMUEL HOAREasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will substitute trial by Civil Court for trial by court-martial for all civilian prisoners in Ireland?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe cases in which civilians are tried by court-martial in Ireland are those for breach of Regulations under the Defence of the Realm Act. Even in these cases where reasonably practicable trial takes place before a civil tribunal.
§ Sir S. HOAREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a large body of public opinion, not confined in any way to one party, that is strongly in favour of the return to the practice of trying all civilian prisoners by Civil Courts?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo one is more anxious than I am for a return to that practice, but in the present condition of affairs in Ireland I cannot see my way to reverting to it.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWhose fault is that?