§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will say on what charge Christopher Dunleavy, an employé in Guinness's brewery, was arrested in Dublin on 4th May and, without trial, imprisoned, deported, and prevented communicating with relatives; seeing that he had no connection with the disturbance and bears a good character with his employers, when will he be released or tried; and, if exonerated, whether he will be indemnified for all loss so imposed upon him?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe case of Christopher Dunleavy is receiving consideration, and he has been requested to fill in a form claiming his release, and to furnish such information as will facilitate rapid investigation.
§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can specify the law under which Irish non-combatant prisoners recently arrested, most of them only on suspicion, are informed by the military authorities that they will not be allowed to see a legal adviser except in presence of a military officer; that neither counsel nor solicitor will be allowed to appear for them at the trial; and that instead a military officer, called the prisoner's friend, will be appointed; whether he is aware that counsel 2301W and solicitors have protested against these orders as illegal and degrading, and must withdraw from the cases unless the orders are modified; whether trials under the orders are nevertheless proceeding; and whether he can promise any modification of this system?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt is necessary to exercise certain precautions with reference to interviews with prisoners; such precautions are common both in the cases of civil and military prisoners. Neither counsel nor solicitor is allowed at field general courts-martial; the prisoner is, however, allowed the assistance of a "friend" to assist him in his defence. One protest only has been received in respect of these rules. No change in the procedure as regards field general courts-martial is contemplated or desirable.