HC Deb 20 July 1915 vol 73 cc1317-8
26. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary whether Ernest Blythe, described as an organiser of Irish Volunteers, has been, under the Defence of the Realm Act, banished from Ireland and ordered not to return; and, if so, will he say for what, illegality?

Mr. TENNANT

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. It is undesirable in the public interest to give details of the evidence or the charges in respect of which action has been taken.

Mr. GINNELL

In view of the answer, I beg to ask the Minister to whom the question is addressed, whether he has not had police on the trail of this gentleman for the last six months; and, if those police spies have observed any illegality, why this gentleman has not been put on, trial for it?

Mr. BIRRELL

The gentleman in question, I have no doubt, has excited the attention of the police for some time past.

Mr. GINNELL

What is the illegality, and why has he not been tried for it? That is the question on the Paper.

Mr. BIRRELL

I dare say it is on the Paper, but he has been dealt with under the Defence of the Realm Act.

Mr. GINNELL

What is the illegality?