§ Mr. GINNELLasked whether the ladies now in prison in Ireland in connection with the suffrage agitation are being treated as political offenders or as common criminals; will he say why they have been sent from Dublin to the prison of Tullamore, and what medical officer will watch their health there; whether they can communicate with each other; and whether they are free to read and write?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe prisoners referred to have been granted privileges and amelioration of treatment not given to ordinary prisoners; they were transferred to Tullamore as a prison where these relaxations could be carried out without interfering with the general discipline of a large prison. Dr. Kennedy, the medical officer of the prison for twenty-five years, will carefully watch the health of the prisoners. They can communicate with one another; they are allowed to read, and will be given such opportunities of writing as the rules allow.