§ 47. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister how many prisoners are now in penal servitude in connection with the recent insurrection in Ireland; whether any but those are undergoing penal servitude in pursuance of sentences of courts-martial; and whether, having regard to the character of the Courts and to the circumstances, the Government have considered the advisability of treating them all as prisoners of war, subject to effective security of detention?
§ Mr. TENNANTAccording to the latest returns received from the Home Office 125 prisoners are now in penal servitude. This is an inclusive total. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. GINNELLThe right hon. Gentleman has given an answer which is totally unintelligible. Will he say how many Irish prisoners are in penal servitude under sentence of court-martial?