§ 13. Captain WEDGWOOD BENNasked the Chief Secretary how many persons are at present imprisoned in Ireland for political offences; and how many, if any, of these are hunger-striking?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe number of persons at present imprisoned in Ireland who in the popular phrase are "political prisoners," is 151. There is no prisoner at present on hunger strike.
§ Captain REDMONDCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many people altogether are in prison in Ireland?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot say, but if the hon. Member will put down a question I will give him an answer.
Mr. KELLYMay I ask if the Attorney-General assented to the proposition that it is legal for the Government to stand by and permit hunger-strikers to starve themselves to death?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot say, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put the question to the Attorney-General.