§ Mr. T. M. HEALYasked the Home Secretary (1) upon what charge Patrick Roche, of Mitchelstown, county Cork, was tried at Basingstoke, under the Defence of the Realm Act this week and with what result; and (2) if Patrick Roche, of Mitchelstown, has been removed from Bramley Internment Camp to Winchester Gaol for trial at Basingstoke this week; why he was kept a fortnight in prison without being brought before a magistrate; and of what offence is he accused?
§ Sir G. CAVEPatrick Roche was placed under arrest on 23rd June by the military authorities for attempting to cause disaffection among the German prisoners and others at Bramley Camp, where he was working as a labourer. After his case had been investigated a prosecution was authorised by the competent military authority. He was accordingly removed to civil custody on 6th July and appeared before the magistrates on the same day, when he was remanded. On 11th July he was convicted of an offence under Regulation 42 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour.