§ 68. Mr. DEVLINasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that house searchings continue to take place and arrests to be made in districts in Ireland where no disturbance has taken place; that many men have been arrested who have had no connection whatever with the disturbances; that these arrests are being made under every circumstance of indignity and outrage; that the conditions of imprisonment of these men, and of the prisoners generally, are degrading; that no charge has been preferred against many of the prisoners; that the continuance of this system is exasperating public opinion in 2087 Ireland and producing an atmosphere charged with danger and menace to public order and peace; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMost of the suggestions made in the question do not accord with my information. If the hon. Gentleman has specific cases in view I shall be glad if he will furnish me with particulars. The prison treatment of those who are under arrest is not, I believe, the subject of any serious complaint. Every effort is being made to accelerate the release of innocent persons.
§ Mr. DILLONWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether now, even at this eleventh hour, he will undertake to put a stop to the system of marching troops into peaceable districts and making wholesale arrests in counties and districts where the population remained perfectly peaceful and loyal throughout the whole insurrection, and even stood by the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think wholesale arrests or anything deserving that description have been made. There has been a certain amount of searching for arms, but as to the marching of troops, I think it is popular.
§ Mr. DILLONI will ask the right hon. Gentleman to inquire whether it is popular to march troops into a district, surround houses, and search them in the dead of night for arms. Innumerable cases have been brought to my attention of people who were absolutely loyal being thus treated in districts in which no disturbance was even attempted. It has been done in hundreds of cases.
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is very difficult, as the hon. Gentleman knows, for me to deal with general allegations, but if specific cases are sent to me I will undertake that rigorous and most careful inquiries shall be instituted.
§ Mr. J. MacVEAGHWhat was the object of deporting nine or ten ladies to England?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like notice of that question.
§ Mr. DEVLINIs it not the case that, after the right hon. Gentleman left Ireland, the deportations were resumed and large numbers of people were sent over—400 in one day?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not sure whether it is the case. Undoubtedly some people have been deported, but I took care, when I was in Dublin and Cork, to ensure there should be no unnecessary delay in inquiring into these cases. There has been a combing out, and in cases where there are found to be no reasonable grounds for suspicion the prisoners are at once sent home.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHThey might have left the girls alone.