§ 27. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to make a statement on the transfer of the return of the remains of Sir Roger Casement and the documents that belong to him in Ireland.
§ 35. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now completed his consideration of the request of the Irish Government to have the body of Sir Roger Casement returned to Ireland; and whether he will make a statement before the end of this year.
§ Sir F. SoskiceI hope to be able to make a statement shortly.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesCan the Home Secretary give me the assurance that he will make this statement before next Easter, the anniversary of the Easter Rising?
§ Sir F. SoskiceI should be most astonished if I had not made it a considerable time before next Easter.
§ Mr. Hector HughesDoes not my right hon. And learned Friend realise that it is quite inconsistent with British history, prestige and tradition to retain these remains for so long a period, and will he expedite their return to the proper sources?
§ Sir F. SoskiceI cannot add to what I have said. I assure the House that I realise the strength of feeling on this matter, and I will make my statement as soon as I can after going into the relevant circumstances.