HC Deb 22 March 1917 vol 91 cc2025-6
6. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the arrest and deportation of Mr. J. J. O'Kelly, without charge or trial, was because he is the author of about a dozen volumes, including one on the influence of the Irish on European civilisation, a life of Brian Boru, a life of St. Brendan the Navigator, a life of Father Mathew, a drama laid in Ireland's heroic period, and a number of standard volumes prescribed as texts by the Intermediate Education Board and by the National Education Board; and whether literary work of this class is now held to be illegal?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)

No, Sir.

Mr. GINNELL

Are these activities considered illegal in Ireland under the Defence of the Realm Act?

Mr. DUKE

I have just answered that question.

9. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the purpose of the order given by Major Moul to the Irishmen under arrest in Arbour Hill Barracks, Dublin, that they were not to consider themselves prisoners though they were at the time inside locked gates, were immediately ordered into cells, the doors of which were locked, were, without charge or trial, deported by armed force to England, were not allowed to know their respective destinations, and were not allowed to attend Mass on their first Sunday in Shrewsbury?

Mr. DUKE

I am informed that orders were given that the men should not be treated as prisoners except so far as was necessary to secure their removal to their new places of residence, and that the purpose of the order was to ensure them reasonable consideration as regards food, smoking, seeing friends, writing letters, and freedom from inapplicable prison rules. I am inquiring as to Shrewsbury.

12. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many persons are now in prison in Ireland on public or political grounds, as distinguished from the ordinary crimes that involve moral turpitude?

Mr. DUKE

I have no means of making such a classification as the hon. Member suggests, but so far as I am aware nobody is in prison in Ireland under sentence who has not been knowingly guilty of an offence against the law.

Mr. GINNELL

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise purely political offences as distinguished from crime?

Mr. DUKE

I am afraid I cannot debate that subject on the question which is before me without more particular knowledge than I have of the matter referred to by the hon. Gentleman.