HC Deb 25 May 1921 vol 142 cc127-8
14. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Chief Secretary the number of Irishwomen who have been imprisoned under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act or martial law; and how many of them are detained without trial or without any charge being formulated against them.

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The number of women imprisoned in Ireland under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act or martial law is 402. The great majority of these were unfortunates sentenced to short terms of imprisonment for loitering in the streets after curfew, the majority of whom have served their sentences and been released. The number of women in prison in Ireland who have not been tried is eight. Of these one is awaiting deportation, and the remainder are awaiting trial. There is no woman in military custody or internment.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what were the charges against them?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I must have notice of that question.

Mr. HOGGE

My question asks whether there was any charge formulated against them. Does not my right hon. Friend, who is in charge of these matters, know what charges are alleged against them?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I must have notice of that question, and the notice is not set out in the written question on the Paper. It asks how many of them are detained without trial and without charges formulated against them, and my answer was that the total number untried was eight, that one was awaiting deportation, and that the remainder were awaiting trial.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May we take it that the one awaiting deportation is not Countess Markievicz, who is a Member of this House?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

She is being kept in prison in Ireland.

Mr. J. JONES

Will she be entitled to become a judge of the Appeal Court?

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