HC Deb 27 July 1950 vol 478 c682
40. Lieut.-Colonel Hyde

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Mr. de Valera has been given official permission to revisit Lincoln Prison.

Mr. Ede

The hon. and gallant Member is misinformed. Mr. de Valera has not applied for permission to visit Lincoln Prison.

Lieut.-Colonel Hyde

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the projected visit of Mr. de Valera has been widely advertised in the Press, and will he, therefore, give an emphatic contradiction by stating that this report is incorrect?

Mr. Ede

Mr. de Valera, I understand, is going to Lincoln to address a political meeting. He has made no application to go to Lincoln Gaol, but most schools like to welcome old boys.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Could the Minister assure us that this distinguished, courageous Irishman—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—whose courage is respected in the U.S.A., if not on the benches opposite, will not be charged for admission, and that he will get the freedom of Lincoln Gaol?