§ 98. Mr. GRIFFITHSasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can ex-lain the reason for the arrest of Stephen Creigh, Christopher Conlan, and Michael Harrington on Easter Sunday morning at Liverpool; whether these men were arrested on account of any unlawful acts committed in Liverpool; where they are now imprisoned; and whether it is proposed to bring them to trial?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Denis Henry)The persons referred to were arrested by the Liverpool police on informtion received from the Royal Irish Constabulary, and on them were found a number of documents which showed their connection with the Irish Volunteers. They were detained by order of the General Officer Commanding West Lancashire Division. Stephen Creigh and Christopher Conlan have been released, and the release of Michael Harrington, if it has not taken place, is under consideration.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHCan the right hon. Gentleman say what documents were found on these men?
§ Mr. HENRYI think they were charged with membership of the City of Limerick Division of the Irish Republican Army.
§ Captain W. BENNIf these men had committed the offence which the right hon. Gentleman describes in this country, would they not be brought to trial?
§ Mr. HENRYNo, Sir. If we err at all, we err on the side of leniency. We had not sufficient information.
§ Captain BENNWhy not release these men if you have no information upon which to convict them?
§ Mr. HENRYI have already said that two of them have been released and the release of the third is under consideration.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs it a criminal offence to have in your possession cards of membership of a body of that kind?