§ 8. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the hon. Member for Mid-Cork was presiding over an arbitration court at the time of his arrest; whether the Prudential Insurance Company was pleading before the court; and whether any action has been taken against counsel and witnesses arrested at the time of the raid upon the court?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe arrest of the Lord Mayor of Cork in the City Hall was the result of information received by the military authorities indicating that a conference of high officers of the so-called Irish Republican Army was in progress at the time. No arrests were made nor were any documents seized in connection with any proceedings before an arbitration court, and the Government have no knowledge of any such proceedings.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Baronet answer the second part of the question whether the Prudential Insurance Company was the plaintiff or the defendant in the arbitration court in question?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODMy answer is that we have no knowledge at all of any such arbitration proceedings.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes the right hon. Baronet really mean to tell me that the very wide reports in the Press that the Prudential Insurance Company were concerned are not known at the Irish Office, and that he is unable to state their accuracy or otherwise?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODYes, the reports are known, and also the source from which they came.
64. Mr. MALONEasked the Home Secretary what is the condition of Mr. McSwiney; and whether he has received nourishment in any manner?
§ 66. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary what is the condition of the health of the hon. Member for Mid-Cork; and whether it is intended to retain him in prison?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)The condition of the prisoner is very serious. Until yesterday the doctors have given him medicines only, but yesterday, during a period of semi-consciousness, they gave him a little liquid food. I cannot speak for his friends. He will be retained in the prison hospital.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes that mean that forcible feeding against the man's will is being resorted to, and is there any legal justification for that in the case of this unfortunate gentleman?
§ Mr. SHORTTIn this case forcible feeding consists merely in holding a cup to his lips, and the swallowing has been voluntary. In any case, forcible feeding is not only legal, but many times a duty.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYHas scientific evidence recently come to the possession of the Home Office proving that nourishment has been administered to this prisoner?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, that is not accurate.