§ 70. Mr. KINGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has had his attention called to the unanimous resolution of the Dublin Corporation condemning the policy of deporting Irishmen under charges of treachery and refusing any trial; and whether the Government is reconsidering its refusal of a public trial?
§ Mr. SAMUELSThe resolution referred to does not appear to have been received in the Chief Secretary's Department, but a newspaper report of the proceedings of the Dublin Corporation has been published. As I informed the hon. Member on the 30th May, I can make no statement as to the last part of the question.
§ Mr. SAMUELSThat has nothing whatever to do with it.
§ 71. Mr. KINGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether John Corcoran and Thomas Ruane were, before the expiration of their imprisonment in Dundalk Prison, re-arrested under Regulation 14 B; whether they have been deported to England; where they now are; whether their health is good; and whether it is intended to continue a policy, as in this case, of prolonging definite sentences by adding terms of indefinite internment?
§ Mr. SAMUELSJohn Corcoran and Thomas Ruane were charged with unlawful assembly and illegal drilling, and were imprisoned in Dundalk Prison in default of giving bail for their good behaviour. This sentence would have expired on or about the 22nd May, and on the previous day they were arrested under an Order made by the Chief Secretary under Regulation 14B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. They are now interned at Lincoln Prison, and their health is good, except that they are reported to be suffering from dyspepsia owing to decayed teeth. The fact that these two men were considered to be persons who should be interned and were in prison at the time of their arrest under Regulation 14B was a coincidence and no part of a policy.
§ Mr. KINGDo the Regulations allow these gentlemen to consult a dentist, and will they be allowed to have dental treatment in prison?