§ 34. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the nature of the communication he has received from Dr. Herbert Mackey, Chairman of the Casement Repatriation Committee, Dublin, on the question of the remains of Sir Roger Casement, and the books, documents and papers, the property of Sir Roger Casement and now in the possession of Her Majesty's Government; and what was the nature of his reply.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe letter from Dr. Mackey contains a request that the remains of Roger Casement should be removed from Pentonville Prison and that certain documents should be returned to Casement's legal representatives. The letter is under consideration, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to reply to it.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Home Secretary give consideration to the fact that this controversy is still raging in Ireland, and will continue to do so until the British Government hand over these documents? Does he not think it is time that we followed the example of historical documents respecting Scotland being returned there? Why should not these be returned to Ireland?
§ Mr. ButlerI cannot go further today than to say that the letter from Dr. Mackey is under consideration and that I am not ready to give an answer today.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodCan the Home Secretary say whether or not the alleged diaries are still in existence?
§ Mr. ButlerI am not prepared to go any further today.