§ 42. Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the number of Irishmen arrested, imprisoned, now in prison, expelled, and now under notice of expulsion, respectively, in Ireland, on political grounds, since the War began, specifying the number of cases in each class in which there has been no trial; the number of those imprisoned with hard labour; and the number now in prison without trial or accusation?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo Irishmen have been arrested, imprisoned, expelled, or given notice of expulsion on political grounds since the War began.
§ Mr. GINNELLAre not those punished under the Defence of the Realm Act punished on political grounds and no other?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir. I do not consider that anyone who is found trespassing in a prohibited area, or who gives false information about the presence of German submarines, can be said to be punished on political grounds.
§ Mr. LYNCHWill the right hon. Gentleman make a statement to the House 2139 showing what these gentlemen have really done; whether they have been merely criticising the general policy of the Government or done something more serious such as would qualify them for Cabinet rank?