HC Deb 25 July 1918 vol 108 cc1987-8
11. Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the grounds on which Rudolph Nieman, Roman Catholic organist at Longford, was recently arrested and interned; whether he is aware that this man's wife and three children are left wholly unprovided for and in a destitute state; whether the local district inspector reported this to Dublin Castle; and what steps are to be taken to enable this woman and her children to live during the internment of her husband?

Mr. SHORTT

This man, a German alien of military age, was arrested and interned, as it was considered undesirable to have him at large. The district inspector reported that this man's wife and family are believed to be without means of subsistence, and she has been told to apply to the Longford Board of Guardians, who are empowered to afford assistance to the wives and children of interned enemy aliens.

Mr. FARRELL

Why should the ratepayers of the Longford Union be compelled to support this woman whose husband has been taken away practically without any notice to her or any means of providing for her in his absence?

Mr. SHORTT

Because it is rather undesirable that they should starve.

Mr. FARRELL

Is it a fact that in the case of other aliens arrangements have been made to provide for their wives and families when their breadwinner has been taken away in this manner?

Mr. SHORTT

Arrangements have been made in this case.

Mr. REDDY

Will the right hon. Gentleman recommend her to Lord Milner?

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