§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNOR(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the num- 2218 ber of prisoners hunger-striking at Wormwood Scrubs on 3rd May and 5th May, and what is the number at the present time?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)The figures are: 3rd May, 192; 5th May, 183; this morning, about 180.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs it not a fact that some of the prisoners have been released?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir. Some of them are in hospital, but none has been released.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWhen will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to announce the decision of the Government on the suggestion that a judge should investigate the cases of the men interned without trial?
§ Mr. SHORTTI cannot say.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHCan the Leader of the House say?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI would rather not answer a question of that kind suddenly sprung upon me.