§ 13. Mr. KINGasked how many persons have been arrested in Ireland during this month and brought to Great Britain for internment or to await trial; whether they are to have the rights and liberties of per sons awaiting trial; and whether they will be tried in Ireland or Great Britain?
§ Mr. SHORTTSixty-nine persons have recently been arrested in Ireland and deported for internment in Great Britain. The conditions of their detention are at present being considered. I can make no statement as to the last part of the question.
§ Mr. KINGIs it really to be supposed that these arrests of a fortnight ago were made on such evidence as not to warrant a definite charge for trial being produced against those concerned?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.
§ 14. Mr. PRINGLEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the solicitor instructed to act for the Irish interned prisoners has applied for leave to see his clients; and, if so, whether the application has been refused?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir G. Cave)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. A solicitor has applied for permission to visit the prisoners in question in his professional capacity. This application has been refused for the present, but any application by a prisoner to see his solicitor will be considered.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman tell us why this solicitor, acting on behalf of interned prisoners, has been refused access; is it because he is acting collectively? Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the only way in which a solicitor can have access to any prisoners is by individual application?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have no knowledge on whose behalf the solicitor is acting. But an interned person can say whom he wishes to see.
§ Sir G. CAVEFor the reasons I have given. It is for the interned person to say whom he wishes to see.
§ Mr. KINGIs not the actual reason that it is not intended that a solicitor shall go from one prisoner to —
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must accept the reason stated, and must not suggest others.
§ 57. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to bring any persons to trial who have been arrested in Ireland in connection with the German plot disclosed by the official announcement of 25th May?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have said that I could not make any statement.