§ 11. Mr. KINGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has been able to make any concessions to Irish prisoners imprisoned without trial; whether any visits from friends are now permitted; how many such prisoners have been arrested under the Criminal Law Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887, or under the Defence of the Realm Regulations since 17th May, 1918; how many are now in custody or internment; how many of these are in England; how many in Ireland; whether any of these or any other persons have been charged, brought to trial, or are to be brought to trial in connection with the alleged German plot; and whether the policy and practice of the Government remains as it did on 8th August last?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Shortt)Certain concessions have been made to persons ordered to be interned in prisons under the Defence of the Realm Act. Visits from friends under certain conditions are now permitted. The number of such prisoners arrested since 17th May, 1918, under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887, is none, and under the Defence of the Realm Regulations is ninety-five; of these ninety-two are now interned in England and three have been released. It is not intended to put any person on trial as suggested in the question. I have nothing to add to what I stated in the House on the 8th August last.
§ Mr. KINGWith regard to the permission as to visits, is there only to be one visit every three months, as stated in the Press, or will they be more frequent?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe visits will be in accordance with the regulations laid down.