10. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Home Secretary whether there are still any Irish prisoners detained in British prisons at the request of the Government of Northern Ireland; and, if so, what are their names and in which prisons are they detained?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe answer as regards prisons in England and Wales is that one such convict is in Dartmoor, 15 are in Maidstone and six in Parkhurst. There are in addition 25 prisoners sentenced to Borstal Detention. I do not think it is desirable to publish names.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs the right hon. Gentleman not prepared at this date to release these prisoners and advise them to join some special force?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not think these prisoners are in custody for crimes that would justify their being released.
§ Mr. LANSBURYHas not the time, arrived to consider the giving of an amnesty to all these prisoners connected with a question which is practically settled to-day? Is it not the custom in every other country to give an amnesty after the troubles which cause the disturbances?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think the hon. Member, if he will forgive me for saying so, is quite mistaken. These are not all political prisoners.
§ Mr. LANSBURYI am asking about the political prisoners.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is not the question put down. I was asked the number of Irish prisoners in our gaols. There is no convict prison in the North of Ireland, and any prisoners sentenced to terms of penal servitude are sent over here.
§ Mr. DALTONMay I ask whether with regard to political prisoners, at any rate, the right hon. Gentleman will not use his great influence with the Government of Northern Ireland, who will be grateful to him for the service he rendered them before the War, to secure their release?
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder!