§ 43. Mr. GINNELLasked the Home Secretary if Ernest Blythe is still untried like the Irish prisoners; why he is being treated more severely than they; when he is to be tried, and where; and whether he will be sent to the camp at Frongoch pending trial?
Mr. SAMUELAs I have already explained twice to the hon. Member, Blythe 1507 has been interned under Regulation 14B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. He was entitled to make representations against the order for his internment to the Advisory Committee, and did so in writing, but refused to avail himself of the opportunity of appearing before them in person. It is considered inadvisable that some of the chief leaders of the movement should be interned with the remainder at Frongoch, and arrangements are being made for their internment elsewhere.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYWhy is this man described as a chief leader of the movement, as he was in Abingdon by order of the Government, and remained quietly there during the rebellion?
Mr. SAMUELNevertheless, he was one of the leaders in the movement which ultimately resulted in the rebellion.
§ Mr. GINNELLDoes not the right hon. Gentleman acknowledge that this is more severe treatment than that given to the men at Frongoch for the same offence?
Mr. SAMUELI do not think he is secluded by himself. When arrangements are finally made for these men to be interned and they are brought together in one place they will all be in association.
§ Mr. BYRNEWould not the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of treating them as political prisoners?
§ Mr. BYRNEI refer to the man named in this question and the other Irish prisoners sentenced to terms of penal servitude. Could not the right hon. Gentleman consider treating them as political prisoners?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put any further questions on the Paper. I cannot possibly hear him.