HC Deb 15 June 1917 vol 94 cc1299-300
21. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Home Secretary whether the chains imposed upon the Irish political prisoners in England under sentences of secret courts-martial were made specially for them or are part of the ordinary equipment of prisons; if the latter, will he state when the chains were last used; of what offence the prisoners were convicted upon whom they were then imposed; and whether those prisoners had been convicted by civil or open Courts or by military and secret Courts?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir G. Cave)

The light chains in question are part of the ordinary equipment of the prison and are in almost daily use when prisoners are transferred from one place to another. They form no part of the punishment of any class of prisoners, but are used only for safe custody when prisoners are travelling by railway or otherwise.

Mr. LYNCH

Might I ask if photographs of these men in chains will be taken for propaganda work in Russia?

22. Mr. GINNELL

asked whether Mr. Colm O'Geary, one of the Irish political prisoners in England under sentences of secret courts-martial, has become blind under the prison treatment; on what grounds his request for a little dog to lead him about has been refused; and what justification is offered for chaining this blind man in addition to handcuffing him?

Sir G. CAVE

Two ophthalmic surgeons have been consulted owing to complaints made by O'Geary about his vision. They both report that his vision is practically normal in both eyes. Nothing is known as to the alleged request for a dog.

23. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Home Secretary whether Countess Marckiewicz, a political prisoner in penal servitude at Aylesbury under sentence of a secret court-martial, being the wife of a Russian citizen, has been informed of the successful revolution in Russia, and that she is free to communicate the facts of her present position and treatment to the new Russian Government; does he undertake that such statement shall reach that Government; and whether he has considered the advisability of releasing this lady before the Russian Government intervenes on her behalf?

Sir G. CAVE

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. As to the third, I have no-statement to make.

49. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Prime Minister if, in order to remove dissension and ill-feeling in Ireland, he will state the Government's proposals in reference to Irish prisoners?

The CHANCELLOR of the EX-CHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

I propose to make a statement on this subject upon the Adjournment.