§ 49. Mr. BYRNEasked the Home Secretary if any new conditions have been agreed on as regards the treatment of the Irish prisoners of war; if they have been now eight months imprisoned; whether he proposes to release them at an early date; and, if so, when?
§ Sir G. CAVEI am not in a position to add anything to the answers given by my predecessor and by the Chief Secretary for Ireland on this subject.
§ Mr. BYRNEHaving regard to the fact that the blundering and stupidity of his predecessor in the past have been the means of the right hon. Gentleman occupying his present position, will he not say whether the blundering and stupidity will now cease?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI should like to see that question on the Paper.
§ 50. Mr. BYRNEasked the Home Secretary if he will make arrangements to have an improved dietary scale for the Irish prisoners on their transfer to Lewes prison; if he will allow extra facilities to hem for Christmas; if they will be allowed to receive parcels of foodstuffs from their friends; and if Countess Markiewiez will be removed from Aylesbury to Lewes and be treated the same as male prisoners?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe dietary of convict prisons is regulated by statutory rule and depends on the nature of the industrial employment. Special facilities at Christmas cannot be allowed, but prison diet on Christmas Day includes beef and plum pudding. The prisoner named in the last part of the question will not be moved, but she will be given, as far as possible, the same privileges as the male prisoners at Lewes.
§ Mr. BYRNEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the time has come for the release of all prisoners?