§ Mr. CREANasked the Secretary of State for War on what charge Michael Walsh, Ratharoon, Bandon, county Cork, was arrested; whether he is aware that Walsh was in no way connected with the Volunteer movement; whether the soldiers and police had left the house without arresting him, as nothing of an incriminating nature was found on the premises; if his arrest was only made when he followed the police and soldiers to complain of the loss of over £4 which was missed after the raiders had left; if the charge made by Mrs. Walsh against the midnight raiders will be fully inquired into and the loss made good; whether Michael Walsh is one of those recommended for release; and, if so, when he will be set free?
§ Mr. FORSTERMichael Walsh will be able to lay full particulars regarding his 679W case before the Advisory Committee, and the Committee, if they consider such a course necessary, will cause further inquiries to be made into the points raised by the hon. Member. I am not aware of any charges having been made by Mrs. Walsh.
§ Mr. P. WHITEasked how many arrests were made in Ireland of those who had no connection with the recent outbreak upon the mere suspicion of the police; how many were released; how many have been recommended for release; and how many males and females are still in custody?
§ Mr. FORSTEROne thousand one hundred and seventy-four prisoners were released by the military authorities, and this may be taken, therefore, as approximately the number of those who were able to establish to the satisfaction of the military authorities that they had no complicity in the rebellion. This figure does not include those who may have been released by the Home Office. On this point and on that raised in the last part of the question, perhaps the hon. Member will seek information from my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.