77. Mr. NUGENTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Charles Shannon was 1675 arrested on Monday, 17th July, at Roosky, county Roscommon, by a sergeant of the Royal Irish Constabulary, on the charge of being a military deserter; if he is aware that Charles Shannon was in Ireland when the registration was being effected in Great Britain; that he is at present in Ireland and has been there since January last, having been in England only temporarily; that a police official in Blackburn made inquiries and concluded that Shannon did not come under the Military Service Act; that Shannon was brought to Sligo and refused bail by a magistrate; and if he will state where Shannon is at present and by whose instructions he was arrested?
Mr. SAMUELThe reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. As regards the third part, I understand that Shannon was fourteen years resident in England prior to registration. He was taken to Blackburn a few days ago by a military escort after having been arrested by order of the recruiting officer at that place. The answer to the fourth part is in the negative, and to the fifth in the affirmative.