HC Deb 22 June 1916 vol 83 c309
98. Mr. GINNELL

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

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

I am informed that no action of the nature mentioned in the first part of the question has been taken by the police in Glasgow. Prisoners of war in detention barracks at Barlinnie are under military control, and not under my jurisdiction, but I am satisfied that the suggestion contained in the second part of the question is quite unfounded. The last part of the question does not arise.

Mr. BYRNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that innumerable complaints have been received from Scotland as regards the treatment and the feeding of the Irish prisoners there?

Mr. McKlNNON WOOD

I am not aware of it, but they would not be addressed to me in any case as I am not responsible.