§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Home Secretary what are the recommendations of the Advisory Committee with reference to J. E. Lyons, of Portland Place, Dublin; if he is aware that the only charge that could be made against this man was that he was secretary of the Irish financial relations committee; if he is aware that this committee was formed for the purpose of safeguarding Ireland from over-taxation; if he will say whether it is a crime to be a member of the said committee; if he will say what were the other charges against J. E. Lyons; when he is likely to be released; and if he will be allowed a civil trial?
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Mr. SAMUELThe Advisory Committee, after personally examining J. E. Lyons, have recommended his continued detention. The order for his internment was made on the ground that he is of hostile associations and a member of an organisation called the Irish Volunteers or of an organisation called the Citizen Army, which have promoted armed insurrection against His Majesty, and is reasonably suspected of having favoured, promoted or assisted in an armed insurrection against His Majesty. As regards the last part of the question I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 2nd of August.
§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the decision of the Advisory Committee is final in the cases of Irish prisoners; if he will say to what tribunal fresh evidence in support of the release of the prisoners should be presented; and if he will cause a new Committee to be set up to hear appeals and consider new evidence on their behalf?
Mr. SAMUELMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Committee is advisory, and the responsibility for the decision is mine. The Committee, however, made their recommendations after carefully considering all the evidence in each ease, and I cannot undertake to reopen any of the cases at the present time. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.