HC Deb 07 August 1916 vol 85 cc654-5
27. Mr. FIELD

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the intentions of the Government respecting Irish prisoners now confined in Frongoch; whether an opportunity of having their cases tried by civil tribunal with legal assistance will be afforded, or whether it is proposed to keep them in confinement; and, if so, for what period?

The SECRETARY Of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

I am not in a position to say how long it may be necessary to detain those persons whose cases have been reviewed by the Advisory Committee with the result that their internment is continued. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Harbour Division of Dublin on the 2nd August.

Mr. HEALY

Have the prisoners who are being kept in detention been informed individually of the result of the inquiry?

Mr. SAMUEL

They either have been or are about to be.

Mr. FIELD

Are we to understand that no civil trial will be accorded to these prisoners?

Mr. SAMUEL

That is a question which I have answered repeatedly, and it has also been subject of debate.

33. Mr. LUNDON

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state if James Hannigan, Patrick Roche, Patrick O'Sullivan, and Michael O'Sullivan, of Mitchels- town, county Cork, were brought before the Advisory Committee, and, if so, with what result; why were these men interned seeing that no trouble of any kind took place in this district; is he aware that some thirty-five men were arrested in this district immediately after the rebellion and all of them released except six; that the release of the latter was promised if four rifles which were known to have been in the possession of the local Volunteer corps were given up; whether these rifles were handed over; if so, why were such hardships inflicted or these men by deporting them to Frongoch camp and keeping them away from their business, as well as creating a bad feeling in the district; and will he, if these four men are still detained, order their release as soon as possible?

Mr. SAMUEL

The four persons mentioned were brought before the Advisory Committee, who made inquiry into their cases, with the result that they recommended the release of Patrick Roche and of Patrick and Michael O'Sullivan. These three persons have been released. With respect to James Hannigan the Committee recommended that he should be retained in internment, and he accordingly remains in the camp at Frongoch. The case has been carefully considered, and I cannot now re-open it.