§ 48. Mr. HIGHAMasked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of setting up martial law in Ireland, particularly in view of the murder of British officers last Saturday; and, if not, will he introduce legislation making it a penal offence for any person to be in unlawful possession of arms in Ireland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWith regard to the first part of the question, I can add nothing to previous statements on this subject. With regard to the second part, it is already an offence under the Defence of the Realm Regulations to carry fire arms without a permit, and it is also an offence under the Fire Arms Act passed this year.
§ Mr. HIGHAMHas the question of setting up martial law in Ireland been carefully considered by the Cabinet, and will he state what are the chief objections to it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. and gallant Friend must not imagine that we have not very carefully considered this question, and we have deliberately come to the conclusion that it is not desirable, at any rate, at the present time. The moment we think it is desirable we shall certainly apply it.
§ Mr. HIGHAMMay I have a reply to my question?