§ 23. Mr. GINNELLasked the Secretary of State for War the result of the inquiry into Major Price's authority for telling Mrs. Pearse that she shall not be given the papers and poems written for her by her son, Patrick H. Pearse, before his execution; and whether all those papers and poems, Mr. Pearse's sword, watch, and all the papers found on his person at the time of surrender have been or will be given to Mrs. Pearse, also all the property taken from St. Enda's School by the military when searching, including Mrs. Pearse's two rings, the lease of St. Enda's, account books, photographs of her sons, 10s. 6d. in silver, and a 10s. Treasury note?
§ Mr. FORSTERAny action taken by Major Price—I am not referring to action attributed to him by the hon. Member—was taken by direction of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Certain poems and other documents were withheld, but copies of all papers relating to finance were sent to Mrs. Pearse. The watch and leather chain and a whistle and chain have also been sent to Mrs. Pearse. A sum of £8 8s. 0½d. found on P. H. Pearse was also paid over to Mrs. Pearse. Certain documents taken when St. Enda's School was searched are still in .possession of the military authorities. I cannot give any undertaking that they will be returned. Nothing is known of the alleged taking of the ring. Two postal orders, one for 1s. 6d. and one for 1s. were found, but there were circumstances which rendered investigation desirable in connection with these postal orders, and this has not yet been completed.
§ Mr. GINNELLDoes the hon. Gentleman refuse to return the documents written by Mr. Pearse for his mother between sentence and execution?
§ Mr. FORSTERWhat I said was that certain documents have not been settled yet.
§ Mr. GINNELLThe hon. Gentleman has sent a copy of these documents. We want the originals, because of certain information they contain.
§ Mr. FORSTERThe copies related to certain financial matters.
§ Mr. GINNELLAre we to get the original papers written by Pearse at that time?
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask the hon. Gentleman if, after shooting Mr. Pearse, the Government withheld his last poem from his mother, such conduct is not absolutely despicable?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is the same question in other words.