HC Deb 15 June 1915 vol 72 c539
40. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what persons are now in prison in Ireland for political offences; which of them under sentence of hard labour; for what terms; which of them have declined to conform to the prison discipline; in what respect; and how they are being dealt with?

Mr. BIRRELL

Fourteen persons in Ireland are at the present moment undergoing sentences of imprisonment, varying from fourteen days to six months, and in all cases with hard labour, for offences under the Defence of the Realm Acts. One prisoner has declined to conform with the prison discipline and is now in the prison hospital.

Mr. GINNELL

The right hon. Gentleman has not said how this prisoner is being treated?

Mr. BIRRELL

This prisoner at the present moment is, I believe, receiving closer attention than he has ever received before in the whole of his life.

Mr. LYNCH

Would it not be better to release all these prisoners, and to the public advantage?

Mr. BIRRELL

That is a question which applies to other prisoners besides these.

Mr. GINNELL

Does the right hon. Gentleman think this treatment of Irishmen is calculated to keep Ireland the one bright spot?

Mr. BIRRELL

I must leave that to Irishmen themselves.