HC Deb 31 July 1916 vol 84 cc2068-9
65. Mr. FLAVIN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a number of young Irishmen attended sports which were held at the Hare and Hounds ground, situate at Lea Bridge, on 16th July, 1916; whether, owing to the inclemency of the weather these young Irishmen adjourned to a recreation hall at Mare Street, Hackney, to have a social gathering and an Irish dance; whether he can say by what authority a body of military and police entered the hall about nine p.m., and placed a number of young Irishmen under arrest and removed them to the police station; and whether he will say why these men were arrested and what charge, if any, was preferred against them?

Mr. SAMUEL

The police report that they have no knowledge of any young Irishmen having attended sports as stated in the question; but it is the case that, on information that a number of men of military age were congregated at a recreation hall in Hackney, the Provost-Marshal of the London district, in company with the Metropolitan Police, entered the hall and required the men present to show their registration papers. Some six, who had no papers, were taken to the police station until their identity could be verified. No charge was preferred against them, and as soon as their addresses were verified they were allowed to go.

Mr. FLAVIN

Would not the commonsense course have been for the military authorities to go to the residences of the people and arrest them if they had a right to do so, instead of going to a private social function?

Mr. SAMUEL

They would have had to ascertain where the residences were.

Mr. HAZLETON

May I ask if this practice has been followed in any other case, and if it is intended to pursue it in future?

Mr. SAMUEL

I cannot answer that question.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of these men had been discharged from the Army during the present War?

Mr. SAMUEL

I was not aware of that. If he had his discharge, it would have been sufficient.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to introduce these practices in Ireland into this country?

Mr. SAMUEL

This action was taken on the initiative of the military, and the question should be addressed to the War Office.

Mr. LYNCH

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to von Bissingise England after having Belgiumised Ireland?

Mr. LUNDON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 3,000 or 4,000 young men of military age have gone to Ireland? Is that the fact?