HC Deb 05 June 1919 vol 116 cc2185-6
18. Mr. MacVEAGH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether another habeas corpus writ has been issued against the Irish Government, and in consequence a lad named John McLoughlin, of West-port, has been released from custody and returned to his parents; whether this is the fourth case in which the law has thus been broken by the Government in Ireland; whether the arrest and abduction of these children was authorised by him or by the Law Officers, and, if not, by whom was it authorised; and whether he is aware that the violation of the Law by those responsible for its administration has brought the administration of the Law into contempt over a large part of the country?

Mr. HENRY

No writ of habeas corpus has been issued against the Irish Government in the case of John McLoughlin. A conditional order was obtained, but on hearing the affidavit of John McLoughlin read it was discharged by the Court. A civil action is now pending at the instance of John McLoughlin, and I am precluded from referring further to the matter. There was no arrest or abduction, and I am not aware that there is any foundation for the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is it not the fact that in McLoughlin's case, as in the previous case, the boy arrested and detained, was released immediately application was made in the Court?

Mr. HENRY

The boy in question was never detained.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Was he under the control of the police and in possession of the police?

Mr. HENRY

With his own consent he was with the police.