§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are a number of boys under the age of eighteen years still detained in English detention barracks since the rising in Ireland; if he is aware that two boys under the age of sixteen and a half years are at present undergoing sentences of twelve months' hard labour; and if he will have inquiries made into their cases, with a view to their immediate release?
Mr. SAMUELA certain number of boys under the age of eighteen are still detained in English detention barracks. "These are all cases in which the military authorities have considered it advisable to recommend internment under Regulation 14B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and under that Regulation they nave the right of applying to the Advisory Committee for a reconsideration of their cases. If the hon. Member will furnish the names of the two boys who are said to be undergoing sentence of twelve months' hard labour, I will make inquiry with regard to them.