HC Deb 27 July 1916 vol 84 cc1844-5
19. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Home Secretary, in the case of Mr. Gerard Crofts, now in penal servitude for having been accustomed to sing Irish patriotic songs and having been found in the company of persons alleged to be guilty of something else, will he say what those persons have been convicted of, whether by an open Civil Court or by secret court-martial; what punishments they are now undergoing; and whether, apart from the company, Mr. Crofts was found guilty of any definite charge but that of singing patriotic songs 1

Mr. FORSTER

As regards Gerard Crofts, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on the 12th of July. As regards the other unnamed persons mentioned in the question, I can, of course, make no statement in the absence of any means of identification.

Mr. GINNELL

In view of the hon. Gentleman's previous answer that Gerard Crofts was found in company with people concerned in the insurrection, has not the hon. Gentleman, having that information, sufficient knowledge to know what they were convicted of, and whether Gerard Crofts was convicted of anything apart from singing patriotic songs?

Mr. FORSTER

He was not convicted for singing patriotic songs. I do not think that is an indictable offence.

Mr. NUGENT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Gerard Crofts had been in Ulster a considerable time before he was arrested?

Mr. FORSTER

I was not aware.