§ Lord ROBERT CECIL(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister what conditions, if any, were made at the release of prisoners from Mountjoy Prison; whether the prisoners gave any under taking and, if so, what were its terms, and whether it was in writing or orally; whether the prisoners went into hospital or to their own homes, and whether they are now under police guard or supervision?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWBefore any prisoner was released the following statement was read to each, and was not objected to:
You are being released on parole to return to this prison on [the date is specified in each case,] and we trust to your honour to do so.The majority of the prisoners went to hospital, a few to their own homes. The police are aware where each prisoner is.The Irish Executive does not anticipate that the parole of any prisoner will be broken. Past experience goes to show that this conclusion is justifiable.
§ Mr. CLYNESMay I ask, if the Government can take steps to recognise the honour of these men, and trust to their recognising such a statement as was read to them, whether it is reasonable to treat them as criminals?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not see the relevancy of that question, for this reason—amongst others—that they have not given, and I do not suppose would give, their parole to abstain from action on account of which they were imprisoned.