HC Deb 14 December 1916 vol 88 cc832-3
51. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the admissions of Sergeant-Major Newstead, when under cross-examination at the court-martial of the fifteen Irish prisoners at Frongoch; if Sergeant-Major Newstead admitted that the commandant stated that he would have discipline if he had nothing but dead bodies in the camp; if these statements are deeply resented in Ireland and are likely to cause further trouble in the camp; and whether the commandant has yet been proved to be perfectly sane by a doctor?

Brigadier-General CROFT

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question may I ask him whether it is not a fact that the commandant of this camp has supported and requested an inquiry into the whole of this matter?

Sir G. CAVE

The answer I shall give to the hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Byrne) I think answers that question. I have asked to see the evidence taken by the Military Court, and am making special inquiries as to the conditions at Frongoch, and I hope that the hon. Member and others who have put questions as to the conditions at that camp will permit me to postpone my replies until the completion of my inquiries. I regret the last sentence in the hon. Member's question, which contains an unfounded reflection upon the commandant.

Mr. BYRNE

Having regard to the right hon. Gentleman's reply, if the same question had been put about Captain Colthurst, what would he have replied?

Mr. GINNELL

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State few the Home Department whether he has yet come to a decision with reference to release or amelioration of the condition of all or any of the 500 untried Irish prisoners now being starved at Frongoch; and especially whether the 350 of them now in special punishment in the insanitary south camp, and denied visits, letters, and comforts sent to them by friends, will be returned to the north camp for Christmas, and allowed to receive parcels from friends outside?

Sir G. CAVE

It is not true that anyone has been starved, and the reply I have given the hon. Gentleman will cover the remainder of the question.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman announce this week whether these 350 men will be allowed to receive parcels next week?

Sir G. CAVE

I can add nothing to my answer.

Mr. LYNCH

Can there not be a general amnesty of these prisoners, and could not that have been undertaken months ago?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman must give notice.