HC Deb 10 June 1920 vol 130 cc576-7
25. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that all the Irishmen interned in Mountjoy Prison and nearly all the Irish- men interned in Wormwood Scrubs Prison have now secured their liberty; whether any reconsideration has been given to the case of the hon. and gallant Member for West Wicklow, now undergoing a sentence imposed by a court-martial of three years' penal servitude in Portland Prison; whether he is aware that the hon. and gallant Member was sentenced, not by reason of any action taken by him, but because of his conviction on a charge of hypothetical incitement to murder; and whether, in view of this hon. Gentleman's gallant services in the War, he will recommend His Majesty to pardon and release him?

Mr. HENRY

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is not proposed to release the Member for West Wicklow, whose offence was of a much more serious nature than that described in the question.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

What was the difference between the offence of the hon. Member for West Wicklow and that committed by the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Duncairn (Sir E. Carson) a short time ago?

Sir E. CARSON

With reference to that observation, which is a very impertinent one, may I say that I have never sided with the enemies of this country.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Where did you get the rifles from?

Mr. SPEAKER

I must warn the hon. and gallant Gentleman that, if he does not control himself, I shall have to ask him to withdraw. [An HON. MEMBER: "The sooner the better."]