HC Deb 23 May 1916 vol 82 cc1959-60
5. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if there be no military necessity for prolonging the anxiety of Irish people regarding their missing relatives, dead, imprisoned, or deported, in connection with the insurrection, whether the names of all who live, indicating where they are, will be communicated direct to their relatives or published in Dublin and provincial newspapers without further delay; whether the prisoners will be allowed to see their relatives in accordance with the Prime Minister's promise; whether elderly prisoners, having no connection with the rising, such as Mr. John Sweetman, a former Member of this House, will be released on giving security for appearance when required; if detained, whether they will be given, or allowed to procure from their homes, a bed and some clothing; and whether all women and boys under seventeen years of age now detained in connection with the same event will be released forthwith?

Mr. TENNANT

I can assure the hon. Member that every endeavour is being made to expedite these investigations. Prisoners are allowed to communicate with their relatives, and lists of prisoners under detention are being published daily in the Irish newspapers. As regards the last part of the question, as I stated yesterday, a general statement is to be made as to the disposal of the prisoners who have been arrested and deported.

Mr. GINNELL

When will that statement be made—we are anxiously awaiting it?

Mr. TENNANT

I understand in two days.