§ 64. Mr. BYRNEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the indignation in Ireland and America caused by the delay in releasing the Irish prisoners of war; if he will state the number of arrests made and the numbers released since the rising; if he can state when those remaining are likely to be released; if he will state the cause of the delay in releasing Arthur Griffith, W. L. Cole, Councillor P. T. Daly. Mr. J. O'Connor, William O'Brien, and Thomas Foran, all of whom are well-known advocates of the Labour movement in Ireland; and if he will cause an inspection to be made into the complaints of the treatment of the Irish prisoners?
§ 70. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister if he will state what is the intention of the Government with regard to the Irish prisoners of war against whom the military authorities have no evidence, and who are kept in prison because of police reports that their release would cause local trouble, as those from Bal-laghaderreen, for example, have been informed; how many Irishmen are now in prison in such circumstances; whether he is aware that their continued imprisonment is the only cause of trouble in their native places, and that the police reports are due to the connection of police officers with local business rivals; and whether, having regard to the character of secret reports of the Irish police, he will institute an independent investigation of all such reports and the immediate release and examination of all imprisoned in pursuance of them on mere unsupported suspicion?
Mr. SAMUELIs it not possible to give exact figures, but approximately 3,000 prisoners passed through the hands of the military authorities in Ireland, of whom about 1,200 have been released after inquiry. As has already been stated, those not released are being interned under Regulation 14 B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. An independent investigation will be made by the Advisory Committee appointed under that Regulation into any reasons for release that may be advanced by any of the prisoners. If complaints were made as to the treatment of the prisoners they would certainly be inquired into.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman is not answering questions.
§ 66. Mr. BYRNEasked the Prime Minister if he can state the cause of the delay in releasing the lady prisoners of war now detained at Mountjoy Gaol, Dublin?
§ 150. Mr. GINNELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War, having regard to his promise that no more lady prisoners would be deported, will he explain the deportation last night of five young ladies who have spent seven weeks in prison in 306 Dublin without charge or trial; why they have not been tried; what is the charge against them; and when they will be released?
Mr. SAMUELThe women who were detained in Mountjoy prison in connection with the recent outbreak and not convicted by court martial have been released with the exception of jive who were removed on the 20th instant to Lewes prison to be interned under Regulation 14B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations.
§ Mr. BYRNEWill the right hon. Gentleman give these ladies the same facilities as he has already given other lady prisoners?
§ Major NEWMANAre these women prisoners of war rebels?
Mr. SAMUELYes; they were arrested in connection with the rebellion, and they have been interned on the recommendation of the military authorities in Ireland.
§ Major NEWMANAre they prisoners of war then?
§ Mr. P. MEEHANHave these ladies appealed to the Advisory Committee? If so, at the hearing of their appeals will they be allowed to be legally represented?
§ Mr. LYNCHIn the handling of this whole question will the Government once more have regard to the manner in which in South Africa a question of even greater magnitude was disposed of?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.
§ 80. Mr. BYRNEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a number of Red Cross workers, boys and girls, are still in gaol; if he is aware that the Red Cross badges on the arms of the Irish Volunteers were cut off with bayonets by British soldiers when the volunteers were arrested; and if he will have an inquiry made as to the reason of this insult to the Red Cross?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo prisoners, male or female, are still in detention on account of their having rendered medical services during the recent rebellion. I am not 307 aware that any insult of the kind alleged by the hon. Member took place. It is quite possible that Red Cross badges were removed from those who had no right to wear them.
§ Mr. BYRNEIf I can produce one declaration to the effect stated, will the right hon. Gentleman look into it? May I add that I desire to give notice, not being satisfied with the answers given, that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment tonight?
§ 79. Mr. BYRNEasked the Home Secretary whether he can state the names and number of untried Irish prisoners in solitary confinement in English gaols; and if he will cause all Irish prisoners to be treated as prisoners of war?
Mr. SAMUELNone of the Irish prisoners referred to are being kept in solitary confinement. A small number are for special reasons kept separate from the general body of the prisoners, but these are allowed to associate with one another. It is proposed to give all Irish prisoners interned under Regulation 14B treatment similar to that of prisoners of war.