HC Deb 18 May 1916 vol 82 cc1625-7
Mr. W. O'BRIEN

(in whose name stood Questions Nos. 9, 12, 14, and 15, relating to the disturbances in Ireland): I have been asked to postpone these questions, which have now been on the Paper for more than a (Week. Telegraphic communication is now going on, and why can we not get the information by wire, or even by post?

Mr. TENNANT

There has been difficulty in getting the information. That is the only answer I can give. Information has been asked for, and as soon as I get it I will communicate it to my hon. Friend.

Mr. O'BRIEN

I have received a letter from the Secretary to the Prime Minister asking me to postpone Questions Nos. 14 and 15, and I suppose the same observations apply to them?

Mr. TENNANT

I can only inform my hon. Friend that I have received a telegram stating that the case of Dr. O'Donoghue (No. 14), who was arrested, is now being inquired into by the military authorities.

Mr. FLAVIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say on what grounds Dr. O'Donoghue has been arrested, and is he aware that Dr. O'Donoghue went out on Easter Monday to render medical aid to those shot down in the streets of Dublin, and while doing so was arrested by the military authorities and removed.

Mr. TENNANT

Those are points to be inquired into, and will be borne in mind, I have no doubt, when the matter is inquired into by the military authorities.

Mr. O'BRIEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to answer No. 15?

Mr. TENNANT

My answer is similar to my previous one. This matter is, of course, of some complexity, as the hon. Gentleman realises. I have received a telegram which states that the incidents referred to are at present the subject of careful inquiry by the military authorities.

Mr. O'BRIEN

Will it be the subject of very careful inquiry by the Prime Minister, who is in Cork to-day?

Mr. TENNANT

That I cannot possibly answer.

Mr. FLAVIN

(who had given notice of Questions No. 86 and 87, relating to arrests in Ireland): If the subject is not raised on Monday I shall feel it my bounden duty to raise it on the Adjournment of the House in view of the continued detention of these innocent men in gaol.

Mr. BYRNE

(in whose name stood Questions Nos. 74, 75, 83, and 84, relating to the disturbances in Ireland) asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware of the bitterness caused in Ireland owing to the delay in trying those men who are well known to be innocent—hundreds of them—who are now in Wandsworth and Knutsford gaols, and who are strictly opposed to the rising altogether? I think the right hon. Gentleman could very easily answer Question No. 75, as regards the conditions of the prisons in which Irish prisoners are detained.

Mr. TENNANT

I quite realise the anxiety which is felt by hon. Members representing Ireland in this matter. I appreciate it very much. I should like them also to appreciate my position. I will inform the hon. Member who puts the question to me that inquiries are being made, and action is being taken where possible in the interest of all prisoners in English prisons for the release of those men who are discovered to be quite innocent.