§ 6. Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the general amnesty declared with regard to the women suffragist prisoners has been held not to apply in the case of certain suffragist defendants returned for trial at Lisburn to the next Ulster assizes; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, he will use his influence to insure that these prosecutions be withdrawn and the defendants concerned included in the general amnesty?
§ Mr. BIRRELLFour suffragette prisoners were returned for trial on 10th August, 1914, for causing on the 1st instant an explosion at the Down Cathedral Church in Lisburn, and were committed for trial to next Assizes in custody, having refused to give bail. They have since been released by order of the Lord Lieutenant under the provisions of the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act, 1913, but the proceedings against these women are still pending. It will be for the Attorney-General to consider what action he may be able to take when these cases come on for trial, having regard to all the circumstances and to the conduct of these prisoners meanwhile, and I quite hope that the Attorney-General will be able to enter a nolle prosequi in these cases.