§ 31. Mr. MOSLEYasked the Prime Minister whether between the months of June and October last, inclusive, any proposals for the initiation or continuance of the policy of reprisals in Ireland were laid before the Cabinet or any section of the Cabinet; whether such proposals were discussed; and whether any decision upon the subject was given or any form of sanction extended to such a policy?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Irish policy of the Government was constantly under consideration by the Government during the time named in the question, and has been frequently explained in Debate in this House.
§ Mr. MOSLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman definitely state that no official sanction whatsoever has ever been extended to the policy of reprisals, at any rate, beyond that which has been supplied in his early speeches?
§ The PRIME MINISTERStatements have been made in this House repeatedly by the Leader of the House, the Chief Secretary and myself as to the policy of the Government and by those we stand.
§ Mr. MOSLEYMay I ask for a definite answer from the right hon. Gentleman? Has any official sanction ever been extended to the policy of reprisals? That question has never been answered. Will he answer it now?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can add nothing to what I have said.
§ Mr. MOSLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman admit official sanction?