HC Deb 07 July 1915 vol 73 cc369-70
67. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of persons banished from Ireland and from particular parts of Ireland, respectively, on political grounds since the War began, and the number of each of those classes against whom an order of exclusion is now in force; and, the persons so punished not having been tried for or accused of any offence, whether he will grant a Return of them with particulars of charge and evidence in each case?

Mr. BIRRELL

Up to the present time fifteen persons have been served with orders under Article 14 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations prohibiting them from residing in or entering certain specified areas within Ireland itself. With regard to the last three parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on the 29th ultimo. One person on whom an order was served has since been tried for offences under the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

Mr. LYNCH

Would any harm accrue if all these orders were rescinded?

Mr. BIRRELL

The hon. Member has a somewhat crude notion of the administration of justice.

Mr. LYNCH

Would it not conduce to better administration, if these men are so formidable, so to conduct his administration as to have them on his side and not against him?

Mr. GINNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of hanging them?

Mr. BIRRELL

I will consider it and reject it.