I move that leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for the punishment of treason and certain ancillary offences and to repeal the Treasonable Offences Act, 1925.
Treason Bill, 1939—First Stage.
Would the Minister give us some indication as to the reasons which have induced the Government to introduce this Bill?
Perhaps the Deputy would wait until he sees the text of the Bill.
I do not think we ought to wait. We ought to know now in what set of circumstances we are being asked to pass this unusual type of legislation and in what way existing powers are inadequate to deal with a situation of this kind.
On the First Stage of a Bill no discussion is allowed unless the motion to introduce the Bill is opposed.
If we cannot get an explanation as to why this Bill is being introduced, we propose to oppose it.
It is contrary to Standing Orders to give an explanation.
As the First Reading has been opposed, the Minister may, if he so desires, make a brief statement, and the objecting Deputy another brief statement.
This Bill flows from the new Constitution. There was a Treasonable Offences Act in operation here, the Act of 1925, and that Act, under the Bill now to be brought before the House, will be repealed. Certain sections may be adapted and re-enacted. Section 39 of the Constitution, as Deputies will note, provides:
"Treason shall consist only in levying war against the State, or assisting any State or person or inciting or conspiring with any person to levy war against the State, or attempting by force of arms or other violent means to overthrow the organs of government established by this Constitution, or taking part or being concerned in or inciting or conspiring with any person to make or to take part or be concerned in any such attempt."
The Constitution defines what treason is and what this Bill proposes to do is to provide for the punishment of treason and to provide also for the punishment of certain other ancillary offences, such as harbouring and concealment. That is all the Bill deals with.
We are prepared to wait and see this Bill.
Question put and agreed to.
Bill read a First Time.
Second Stage ordered for Wednesday, 15th February.