HC Deb 13 July 1916 vol 84 cc506-7
87. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain why, notwithstanding the promise that Irish newspapers would be allowed to reach Irish prisoners at Frongoch, "An Claideam Soluis," the "Irish Nation," and the "Irish Independent," sent to prisoners there, have not yet reached them?

Mr. SAMUEL

Sanction has been given to the prisoners at Frongoch receiving the "Irish Independent" and certain other Irish papers, and they are regularly delivered. I am informed that the prisoners have been notified by the Commandant that, should any other Irish papers be desired in addition to these already in circulation in the camp, application should be made to him who will give it consideration. I am further in-formed that, so far, no such requests have been made.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the papers mentioned on the Order Paper be admitted if sent by post, and why have they not' been admitted so far, seeing that they have not been suppressed?

Mr. SAMUEL

It depends upon the character of the papers whether they pass the Censor, or not.

Mr. GINNELL

Is not the character of them verified by the fact that they are allowed to be published?

Mr. SAMUEL

I wish that were so.

Mr. FLAVIN

Complaints have been made by some interned prisoners that there is an average delay of from five to ten days from the time the papers are published to the time of delivery to these men?

Mr. SAMUEL

That does not arise out of this question. Postal arrangements have been very much improved now that representations have been made.

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