§ 37. Captain BERKELEYasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that none of the Irish deportees have 1288 yet been brought to trial, he can say if they are to remain in confinement for an indefinite period, or whether, if no charges are preferred against them before the courts within a reasonable time, His Majesty's Government will make representations to have these people set at liberty?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAs I have already explained, nothing more than internment is at present contemplated in these cases, and the duration of such internment must obviously depend upon circumstances; but it is clearly understood between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Free State that if, as the result of any recommendation of the Advisory Committee, an order of internment is revoked, the person interned there-under will be at once released.
§ Captain BERKELEYIs there any historical precedent since the passage of the Habeas Corpus Act for British subjects being indefinitely imprisoned, or, as you call it, interned, without trial in any part of the British Empire?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat has been a matter of debate.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre the Government taking any steps, in view of the indefinite period of commitment, to inspect the camps and see that these people are properly treated?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am quite satisfied that the Free State Government will treat them as they should.