HC Deb 13 June 1917 vol 94 cc936-7
52. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the discontent in Ireland caused by the detention and continued ill-treatment of the Irish prisoners is growing; if he will consider the advisability of releasing them before the first meeting of the Convention which is called to consider the Irish question; and if he is aware that the Irish people will not listen to any proposals whilst their countrymen are being treated as convicts?

Mr. BONARLAW

I can add nothing to the answers which I have given to similar questions.

Mr. LYNCH

Is it not a fact that these men are being detained for purely political reasons, and that every convention has proved a failure when foreshadowed by this sort of thing?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can add nothing to what I have said.