§ 33. Brigadier-General SURTEESasked the Home Secretary if he will say what were the circumstances under which De Valera and other Sinn Fein prisoners were permitted to escape from Lincoln gaol; and what disciplinary measures, if any, have been taken with regard to the governor and officials of the gaol?
§ 39. Major O'NEILLasked the Home Secretary whether any disciplinary action has been or will be taken as a result of the escape of certain Sinn Fein leaders from Lincoln prison; what steps have been taken to effect their recapture; and whether he has any reason to suppose that any of the escaped prisoners have left Great Britain?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)As regards the circumstances of the escape, I beg to refer to my reply to the hon. Member for Mid-Antrim, on the 3rd March. As regards the governor and officials of the prison, it must be remembered that the Irish internees are not ordinary prisoners, and are not subject to the strict regulations of the Prison Code. Had they been so, the preparations for escape either could not have been made or would have been detected. The Prison Commissioners are, nevertheless, of opinion that, owing to the demeanour and good conduct of these men, the governor was led into an error of judgment in considering that the existing supervision was sufficient; for which he has been admonished. The other officials of the prison are not to blame, as there was no breach of any Order entrusted to them. Warnings were sent out to the police and the ports immediately the escape took place. I understand that one man has appeared in Dublin, but have no information that any of the others have left Great Britain.