§ 8. Mr. LYNNasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the reason why the editors and publishers of the "Irish Theological Quarterly," who printed an article last October justifying the murder of soldiers and policemen in Ireland, were not prosecuted while those who publish secular newspapers have been prosecuted and punished for much less serious offences; and whether it is now the policy of Dublin Castle that Roman Catholic theologians are not subject to the civil courts?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 16th December, and I would add that the question of taking legal action in this matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. LYNNBut can the right hon. Gentleman say why a different policy is pursued towards religious papers from that adopted in the case of secular papers, and will steps be taken to put both classes of paper on the same footing?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe policy pursued in Ireland is, as far as possible, exactly the same for all persons and all papers.
§ Mr. LYNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this statement laying down that the killing of soldiers is no murder appeared as far back as October last?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODYes. I am aware of that. I cannot accept the words of the hon. Member as an exact interpretation of the article. The matter is being considered by my legal advisers.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODYes, I have.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI think it does, speaking for myself.