§ 45. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister what communication he has received from Dr. Herbert Mackey, of Dublin, Chairman of the Casement Repatriation Committee, 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 custody of Her Majesty's Government; and what was the nature of his reply.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I have received a communication from the Casement Repatriation Committee and I have asked my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to deal with it. He will no doubt write to the Chairman of the Committee in due course.
§ Mr. HughesCould the Prime Minister have a word with the Home Secretary? Is he aware that historical documents connected with trials for treason in Scotland have been returned to Edinburgh? Does he see any objection against historical documents relating to Ireland being returned to Dublin? Is there any possible 212 reason why this country should hang on to documents and other things which are of no interest to it?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure that my right hon. Friend will have all these and all other relevant considerations in mind.
§ Mr. HydeHas my right hon. Friend seen a recent account in a Sunday newspaper to the effect that the remains of Roger Casement were handed over privately on the instructions of the late Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, when he was Prime Minister in 1932, to Casement's brother, Thomas Casement, and another Irishman? Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is any truth in that story?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, I am afraid that I have not read the Sunday newspaper in question, but if my hon. Friend will send me a copy I will see that it is transmitted to my right hon. Friend.