§ Captain H. O'NEILL(by Private Notice) asked whether any, and if so what, conditions were attached to the release of the prisoners undergoing sentences for. offences committed during the Irish rebellion; whether any, and, if so, how many of such prisoners have already been released; whether the Sinn Fein party have yet signified their willingness to take part in the Irish Convention; and whether, in the 1431 event of their declining to be represented, it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Convention in their absence?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAll the prisoners have been released unconditionally, in accordance with the announcement which I made on Friday. The Sinn Fein movement in Ireland is not, so far as I am aware, organised in such a way that any person or persons could authoritatively speak for those engaged in it, and the Government do not think that the holding of the Convention should be dependent upon the assent or dissent of individual Irishmen.
§ Mr. R. McNEILLWas there any particular reason for the announcement being made on the Adjournment on Friday afternoon of it?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe only reason was that we all thought that the moment a decision was taken the House of Commons should be informed.