§ 19. Mr. F. MEEHANasked when the five prisoners arrested at Manorhamilton on the 14th May by the military, who had no connection with the recent disturbances, will be released?
Mr. SAMUELIt is not desirable in the public interest to give information beforehand about the release, or recommendations for release, of individual prisoners.
22. Mr. WHITEasked if all or any of the four Boylan brothers (Edward, John, Joseph, and Peter), natives of Dunboyne, county Meath, have been released; what was the crime they were arrested for; and if the fact that they were prominent members of the Gaelic Athletic Association had anything to do with their detention?
Mr. SAMUELA prisoner named John Boylan was released on the 18th instant. I have no information about the other three; they do not appear to have been interned.
§ 28. Mr. BYRNEasked when the Irish prisoners are likely to be released; and if he has any further recommendations from the Advisory Committee?
§ 32. Mr. CULLINANasked for the number of cases of interned Irish prisoners inquired into by the Advisory Committee; how many they have recommended for release; and how many have actually been discharged from prison?
Mr. SAMUELThe Advisory Committee inform me that they have now dealt with between 1,200 and 1,300 cases. They have so far recommended to me the release of 860 men and two women. Releases are taking place daily, as the necessary arrangements can be made, and the number actually discharged up to the present time is about 500.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhy is there always such a long delay between the time when the Committee recommend release and the Home Secretary taking action?
Mr. SAMUELI sign the orders for release the moment I receive the recommendation from the Committee, and sometimes it takes a litle time to make the transport arrangements.
§ Mr. ASHLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that that "little time" generally means a fortnight or three weeks?
§ Mr. BYRNECould some announcement not be made to the relatives of the people who have been released?
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIn view of the fact that it will take several months to go through all the cases at the present rate cannot something be done to expedite matters when so many releases are taking place?
Mr. SAMUELI think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. I hope that all the cases will have been dealt with in a few days from now.
§ 31. Mr. BYRNEasked when P. T. Daly, Arthur Griffiths, Shaun T. Kelly, and William O'Brien (Dublin Trades Council), Irish prisoners, are likely to be released?
Mr. SAMUELThe cases of these four prisoners are tinder the consideration of the Advisory Committee, and I have not yet received any recommendation with respect to them.
§ Mr. BYRNEWill the right hon. Gentleman speed up the Advisory Committee in regard to these four gentlemen, as they are due to attend a Labour Congress which takes place next month?
Mr. SAMUELIf the hon. Member will be good enough to write me particulars about the conference I will see if any exceptional steps can be taken.