HC Deb 22 August 1916 vol 85 cc2472-3
40. Mr. LUNDON

asked the Home Secretary if he will see his way to allow books and Irish newspapers, as well as other comforts, to be sent those prisoners who are undergoing penal servitude as a result of the rebellion?

Mr. SAMUEL

As these men are under sentence of penal servitude they must be subject to the same rules as other prisoners, and they cannot be allowed to receive newspapers or presents—but, as I stated last Wednesday in reply to the hon. Member for the College Green Division of Dublin, they will be allowed a liberal supply of books.

Mr. LYNCH

May I ask if there is any precedent for treating men convicted of political offences otherwise than as ordinary criminals, and if there be no such precedent will he not create one in the interests of good feeling between England and Ireland?

Mr. SAMUEL

There is no precedent for persons convicted of such offences being treated differently from other persons while in penal servitude, and I am not disposed to create a precedent.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the practice in France— it is well to take a leaf from France occasionally—where a complete distinction is made between ordinary criminals and men whose offences are only political, considering that those men often subsequently rise to Cabinet rank?

Mr. SAMUEL

I am not sure that they include a class of persons who have taken up arms against the Government of the country.