HC Deb 07 August 1919 vol 119 cc521-3
10. Major GLYN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is the case that, at Grantstown, county Tipperary, on 9th June, an inhabitant, Mr. Bryan Shanahan, was sentenced to four months' is being used for purposes which Parliament never intended?

Mr. HENRY

He will find that the question of bogus charities is fully dealt with.

The following is the answer referred to in Mr. Henry's reply:

The following statement gives the information asked for as regards the several counties in Ireland:

imprisonment for being suspected of having an intention to commit an illegal act; whether, if this is the case, he will state further particulars that led to this sentence being passed; and whether, if it is not the case, every means will be taken to deny the report, which has received considerable circulation?

Mr. HENRY

Mr. Bryan Shanahan was arrested at Grantstown, under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, on the 5th May last for having in his possession military property and refusing to give his name. He was discharged on the 15th May as it was decided there was not sufficient evidence against him. He was brought before a resident magistrate on 7th June, who ordered him to give sureties for good behaviour, or in default to be imprisoned for four months. Mr. Shanahan, who is a lieutenant in the Irish Volnteers, refused to recognise the Court, and was ordered to be imprisoned for four months.

Captain ORMSBY-GORE

How does it come about that, having been discharged, he was again brought up before a resident magistrate, and what was the charge on the second occasion?

Mr. HENRY

Under the law, both in England and Ireland, if a person is bound over to be of good behaviour and keep the peace, no charge is necessary against him, as it is not regarded as punishment. The law is the same in both countries.

Captain ORMSBY-GORE

Then he can be liable to be sentenced to four months' imprisonment, although there is no charge?

Mr. HENRY

All that is necessary is for him to give security to be of good behaviour, and he will be released.

Major Earl WINTERTON

Is it not a fact that this man is a self-confessed rebel, and he refuses to recognise the authority of the Irish Court? That is the answer.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that this man, after being acquitted of one charge, was sentenced to four months' imprisonment on a second charge?

Mr. HENRY

No, Sir, he was discharged on the second occasion.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Was it the same charge the second time?

Mr. HENRY

No.

Mr. MacVEAGH

What was it? You know it was the same charge.