Mr. HEALYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will say how many Derry prisoners unconnected with the rebellion have been deported, and to what prisons; whether they are allowed to write or receive letters; whether, as to the brothers Joseph and Vincent O'Doherty, their solicitor was given a pass to go to Dublin and was refused audience with them when in gaol there; whether no letters have been received from these brothers by relatives since their deportation; and, if they are in Wakefield, will a permit be necessary to visit them?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe numbers of prisoners from particular areas are not at present available. Letters may be sent and received by prisoners at detention, barracks, and visits can be arranged by application to the Commandant of the Detention Barracks where the prisoners are detained. Prisoners in Richmond Barracks can always see their solicitors when they make application to that effect. No permit is necessary for friends to visit prisoners at Wakefield.
§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether letters of and to German prisoners in this country, written in German, are allowed to pass through the post; whether a person is employed for the purpose of reading them and, if so, will he explain why letters of and to Irish prisoners arrested in consequence of the insurrection, written in 2931W Irish, are not allowed to pass, though a person to read them can as easily be obtained?
§ Mr. TENNANTSeveral persons are employed for the purpose of reading letters of and to German prisoners in this country, which are allowed to pass if they contain nothing contrary to the regulations. Letters of and to Irish prisoners are treated in the same way. About fifty letters in Irish have so far been submitted to censorship and all of them have been sent on.
§ Mr. GINNELLasked with what object prisoners in Richmond Barracks, Dublin, have been repeatedly told that they were free to buy any articles they desired, while their money, essential for buying, was withheld from them; and whether consistency will be introduced in this matter?
§ Mr. TENNANTIf there has been any temporary inconsistency, as to which I am not informed, it will be removed.
§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the bitterness and dissatisfaction which is being caused by the delay in dealing with the Irish prisoners; and if he will take the necessary steps to have them tried or immediately released?
§ Mr. TENNANTI think this point is covered by the statement my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made on 31st May.