HC Deb 12 July 1916 vol 84 cc318-9
22. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has yet ascertained whether Mr. Gerard Crofts, of Dublin, has been convicted of anything but the singing of patriotic songs; if so, what it is, on what evidence, and whether in an open Court; whether Mr. Crofts is the only prisoner now undergoing penal servitude for the singing of patriotic songs; and, having regard to his delicate health and the character of the offence, if he is to be kept longer in custody whether it will be as a political prisoner?

Mr. FORSTER

The evidence in this case shows that Gerard Crofts was concerned in the rebellion. He was taken from the cellar of a house with a number of armed men who had been firing at the troops. He was tried by a field general court-martial under exactly similar circumstances to those under which the other prisoners were tried. There are no grounds for discriminating between Crofts and other convicted prisoners.

Mr. GINNELL

Can the hon. Gentleman inform the House whether there has been a particle of evidence produced of Mr. Crofts' connection with the insurrection other than that of his singing patriotic songs?