HC Deb 20 October 1920 vol 133 cc908-9
12. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the 70 prisoners awaiting trial at the time of the passing of the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act have been brought to trial under that Act, and with what results?

Mr. HENRY

I assume that the 70 prisoners referred to by my hon. Friend are prisoners for so-called political offences. Eight of these prisoners have been on hunger strike, and this has prevented their being brought to trial. With this exception there is now no person awaiting trial for any alleged political offence committed before 9th August.

Mr. HOGGE

Will my right hon. Friend answer the last part of the question? What was the result in the other 62 cases?

Mr. HENRY

I have tried to get the information for my hon. Friend, but have been unable to. I will at the earliest possible moment communicate it to him.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Were these trials open to the public?

Mr. HENRY

Yes, as far as I am aware.

Mr. E. J. KELLY

No, they certainly were not.

Mr. HENRY

I think there is power in the court-martial not to have the trial public, but I have not noticed any case in which that has happened. I will, however, inquire.