§ 47. Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the first act of the new Russian Government has been to direct the release of all political prisoners; and whether he proposes to direct that similar steps be taken in connection with Ireland?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, if the hon. Member is referring to the prisoners undergoing sentence in connection with the rebellion of last Easter, in the opinion of the Government the time has not yet come for their sentences to be reviewed.
§ Mr. LYNCHHow about those who are now undergoing sentences not in connection with the rebellion at all and against whom, in fact, no charge whatever has been preferred?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSo far as I know, there are none of that character in prison.
§ Mr. LYNCHWill the right hon. Gentleman consult his Friend on his left (Mr. Duke), who will tell him that there are?
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs it not a fact that these Russian prisoners who have been released were imprisoned on exactly the same charge?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think not.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHOh, yes! The hon. Member asked: Whether M. Kerenski, the new Minister of Justice in Russia, has given a public pledge on assuming office that no person in Russia will be condemned without trial in the open Courts; and whether it is proposed to establish a similar practice in Ireland and to release those prisoners who were sentenced by secret military Courts?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the answer to the last part of the question was given in my reply to the hon. Member's previous question.