§ 39. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister whether any guarantee of safety, and, if so, what, will be given to voters for a free exercise of their vote in the martial law and other areas in Ireland for the election of the Irish Parliament, both Sinn Fein and loyalist?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say more than that every possible step will be taken to secure the free and unfettered exercise of the franchise by all sections of the electorate during the forthcoming elections.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKDoes that mean that the right hon. Gentleman will withdraw the auxiliary police before the election takes place?
§ The PRIME MINISTERQuite the reverse.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that no meetings of more than eight persons are allowed in the South and West of Ireland at present? How can an election possibly be held in the circumstances?
§ The PRIME MINISTERQuite frankly, that is not the real danger in the South of Ireland. The danger is that there is such intimidation that there would be no freedom for people to express opinions.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKBy whom?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Press is censored? How can there be an election in the circumstances? It is a farce.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. and gallant Member has only to think of the number of murders that have taken place in the course of the last few days of civilians who dared to express an opinion contrary to that of Sinn Fein.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHHow many murders have there been by Crown forces?
§ Mr. LYNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was a great deal of intimidation at the local elections in Ireland last year by the Sinn Feiners?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhat about Belfast?