§ 29. Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when it is proposed to return the documents, pictures, etc., seized at the offices of the Irish Self-Determination League of Great Britain and the Gaelic League of London at 182, Shaftesbury Avenue, London?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)The documents, etc., are being examined, and such as it may be proper to return will be handed to the Irish Self-Determination League and the Gaelic League in due course.
§ 30. Mr. MACLEANasked the Home Secretary how many Irish men and women have been recently arrested by armed detectives from Scotland Yard; how many of the persons arrested have been released and how many deported because no evidence was forthcoming on which they could be charged or tried; and whether it is proposed to apply the Deportation Regulation to all sections of the population of this country, or whether it is to be exclusively applied to persons of Irish birth or descent?
§ Mr. SHORTTFifteen men and five women were detained by the Metropolitan Police as persons who were believed to be concerned in the outrages on 15th May. Eight of the men and the five women have been released, and seven men have been interned under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations, because it was found that they were closely concerned with the persons and the organisation responsible for outrages. In one case the arrest had been authorised before 15th May, as the man was already known to be concerned in the organisation which had planned the earlier outrages. The Regulation under which internment is ordered is being applied impartially to persons of every nationality, but hitherto there has been no need to intern any persons not of Irish birth or descent.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman say if there was proof against these persons why were they not brought before a competent court in this country when the offence was alleged to have been committed in this country? Are we to understand that anyone may be arrested in this way?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir. These persons were arrested properly in accordance with the Regulations.
§ Captain W. BENNDoes that imply that it is competent for the right hon. Gentleman to arrest persons without warrant in this country, under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act?
§ Major M. WOODIs there anything to prevent these men being brought before a civil court in this country?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, the real danger is getting old men and women to give evidence.
§ Mr. MACLEANDoes the right hon. Gentleman inform the House that the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act applies also to this country, and that the terms of the Act can be applied to any individual here?
§ Mr. SHORTTIf that individual is concerned in creating disorder in Ireland, he can be arrested in this country for that crime in Ireland.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhen offences are committed in this country, why is the person not tried in this country?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not really arise.
Mr. J. JONESIn the case of people who have been released from imprisonment, after being kept for days without any charge preferred against them, are they going to receive compensation for loss of employment?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir.