HC Deb 08 August 1918 vol 109 cc1557-9
Mr. KING

Will the Chief Secretary explain his policy in connection with the Bill which he proposes to present to-day to set up a special commission to inquire into occurrences at Belfast Prison, and will no inquiry be held until the Bill has-become law and a Commission is set up?

Mr. SHORTT

The policy is simply to set up a tribunal if possible which will command respect and confidence and elicit the truth. It seems to me this is essentially a case where the power to administer the oath is imperative if the truth is to be elicited. Any tribunal which might be set up and which would include a judge, and would command universal respect and confidence, could not be set up except by Act of Parliament. It would be possible for one of the Prison Commissioners to hold an inquiry and to administer the oath, but the only result would be that hon. Members would say it is not a fair tribunal. I have a resolution from the Kerry County Council, some of the members of which are among the prisoners, demanding an inquiry, upon oath, and this is the only method in which it is possible to obtain such a tribunal as is desired.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

The delay is very unfortunate. The right hon. Gentleman has stated that an inquiry by one of the Prison Commissioners would not command confidence, but if he would appoint the Vice-Chairman of the Prisons Board, the McDermot, who is a son of a former Attorney-General and comes of ancient Irish lineage, I think an inquiry by that gentleman would certainly be satisfactory to the Irish people. I take it that the Vice-Chairman of the Prisons Board has the necessary legal qualifications, and I suggest that if an inquiry were held by him, if it were conducted openly, if the prisoners were given a chance of attending, and if there were full public notice of it, it would be quite satisfactory to the Irish people.

Mr. SHORTT

Of course, the delay is very unfortunate. I quite agree, but it is unavoidable. And my hon. and learned Friend will appreciate the fact that we cannot carry the Act through to-day. We must, first of all, get the consent of the Commissioners who may serve. With regard to the other suggestion, I cannot possibly give any answer to-day, but I should be very glad indeed to consider it with the hon. and learned Gentleman, or any other hon. Member on those benches. Meantime, I must present the Bill, which has been prepared so that we may proceed with the inquiry at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. KING

If it is found possible to have an inquiry by the Prison Commissioners, will the prisoners be able to be represented by counsel?

Mr. SHORTT

Naturally witnesses will not be represented by counsel, but I assume that any parties implicated may be so represented.

Mr. DEVLIN

And will there be no inquiry until the Bill has been passed?

Mr. SHORTT

It is not possible.

Mr. DEVLIN

And if the Bill is not passed there will be no inquiry?

Mr. SHORTT

If another procedure were suggested instead of the tribunal set up under the Act, and if it were really going to give satisfaction and command confidence in the country, I should be prepared to consider that course.

Mr. HEALY

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to see that the prison books and other documents are-impounded pending the inquiry?

Mr. SHORTT

I will look into that.

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