HC Deb 21 June 1916 vol 83 cc135-6
Mr. GINNELL (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is with his concurrence that a meeting organised by the Gaelic League in Glasgow to provide relief for the starving and ill-treated prisoners of war in Barlinnie Prison has been prevented and the hall seized by the police, and whether immediate instructions will be issued for the supply of a sufficiency of wholesome food for the maintenance of health of these men, and whether all restrictions on the holding of meetings or other actions for the provision of supplies for them will be immediately removed?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

I have no knowledge of the matters referred to, and I have not yet had sufficient time to make inquiries, but I am sure that the statements as regards food arc without foundation.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question whether what occurred in Glasgow had his concurrence?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I have not had time to inquire what has occurred about this meeting.

Mr. GINNELL

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know whether what has passed has had his concurrence?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

My trouble is that I do not know what has passed.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, whether instructions will be issued for the removal of all these prohibitions?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The question of prohibiting meetings must depend on the character and objects of the meeting. As to whether a meeting has been prohibited or not, I have not yet received any information. It is necessary to give time in order to obtain information from Scotland.