Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether the twenty-three members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians who were sentenced to a term of imprisonment for attacking a Sunday school excursion, consisting of women teachers and young children, at Castledawson, have been released by the Lord Lieutenant before the expiration of their sentences; if so, on what grounds; whether such action is to constitute a precedent for members of the order in future; and are they to be permitted to break the law and then be released if found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment?
§ Mr. RUSSELLI must ask the hon. and gallant Member to postpone that question.
Captain CRAIGCan the right hon. Gentleman say why he is empowered to answer some questions, but when he comes to the really important ones he cannot answer them?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe only reason is that the answer had not arrived from Dublin to-day when I left the Irish Office.
Captain CRAIG (at a later stage)In view of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, I beg to give notice that I will call the attention of the House to this matter, on the Motion for the Adjournment, in the hope that I will get from him some excuse for the action that has been taken.