§ Mr. CLYNES(by Private Notice) asked the Leader of the House whether all the political prisoners in Mountjoy Prison, or only those who have been hunger-striking, have been released; whether any conditions have been attached to their release; whether it is proposed to re-arrest these men when their health has been restored; and whether he will now make a full statement on this matter, in order to remove the prevailing doubt and misunderstanding regarding the Government's Irish policy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)I think the best course would be to read in full the message which I have this morning received from the Viceroy:
Following the precedent of O'Brien authority was given to the Governor of Mountjoy Prison to liberate any prisoner awaiting trial or deportation who was certified by doctors to be in imminent danger of death and requiring treatment which could not be given in the prison. Under this Order 66 prisoners have been released on parole for a period which differs in each case according to the particular need. I 1811 should expressly tell you that mistakes have been made by the prison authorities. Some of these. 66 are men who had been convicted and who are serving sentences and who are in no case entitled to be released on parole. I think this should be expressly made known so that such action will not form a precedent. The whole action taken in regard to hunger strikers was based upon the decision in regard to amelioration. Release on parole was never intended to apply to cases of men who were convicted after trial.
§ Mr CLYNESCan the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the statements made in this House during the course of this week, give the House any information as to the reasons for this change?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think there is any change. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] So far as this is concerned, certainly not. We had precisely the same question here, only it was dealt with by the Home Secretary, in regard to Mr. O'Brien. I did say the Government would not release him, but that we were quite ready to send him to a nursing home owing to his condition. So far as I can gather, the same course has been followed in Ireland.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILMight I ask whether the House may feel assured that the statement made in the public Press that these men have been released unconditionally is inaccurate?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat surely follows from the message which I have just read.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of setting up a Committee to ascertain whether there is any justification for the internment of the other prisoners who have been denied a trial, and not even told what the charges are?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is simply putting the same question that has been put dozens of times. I can add nothing to the answer I have given.
§ Mr. RONALD McNEILLIn view of the great importance of the efficient prison administration in Ireland at the present time, may I ask whether any disciplinary action has been taken with regard to whatever official is responsible for the mistakes referred to by the Viceroy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf I may say so, I would deprecate a question of that kind. I am sure the whole House knows what a 1812 very difficult task the Viceroy has, and I would certainly not complicate it in any way.
§ Mr. CLYNESIn view of what has happened, may I ask whether, in the event of the release of these men producing a very much improved situation in Ireland, the right hon. Gentleman would not think this is a fitting occasion for some change in the Government's policy in relation to them?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWe should only be too glad to change our policy if the conditions changed, but I really can say nothing more than I have said already, that we must take every precaution in our power to protect life.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTIs it not a fact that on the last occasion that a large number of prisoners were released in Ireland it was the starting point of crimes and atrocities?