HC Deb 09 August 1916 vol 85 cc1046-7
61. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say why Michael William O'Reilly, now at Reading-, was sentenced to 160 hours' solitary confinement on bread and water whilst at Frongoch Camp; if there were any labour troubles at the camp at this time; if O'Reilly was made aware of any complaint against him; if he had any opportunity to defend himself before being sentenced; and if he will state the recommendations of the Advisory Committee in this case?

Mr. SAMUEL

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 27th July to the hon. Member for North West-meath, which contains full particulars of this case. The Advisory Committee have recommended that O'Reilly should remain interned.

Mr. BYRNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why this man was punished; is he aware that there was labour trouble going on at that camp, that the men were getting 1½d. an hour to do some construction work in the camp, and that in the interests of trade unionism they thought it was not fair upon them to do the work?

Mr. SAMUEL

If the hon. Member will look at the answer to which I refer him he will find that it gives a full statement of the circumstances.