HC Deb 20 November 1917 vol 99 cc1024-5W
Major NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in any agreement that is made between the Irish Government and other authorities as to the scale of dietary to be enjoyed by Irish political prisoners of war, regard will be had to the fact that a real shortage of food exists in Great Britain and that supplies of surplus foodstuffs from Ireland will be of value to the population here?

Mr. DUKE

In arranging the scale of dietary for prisoners convicted under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, the scheme of voluntary rationing recommended by the Food Controller has been taken into consideration.

Major NEWMAN

asked whether the new rules drawn up by Commandant Austin Stack, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and the Irish Government, for the treatment and privileges of Irish political prisoners of war, namely, that a scale of dietary approved of by the prisoners, and in addition to that now in force, should be adopted; that the privileges conceded to Irish prisoners of war should be extended to all convicted of sedition or political offences; that no prisoners are to be moved from Ireland without their assent; and that they are to be allowed visitors every day, are now in force?

Mr. DUKE

There are no such rules as are suggested in the question.

Major NEWMAN

asked whether the Lord Lieutenant has fulfilled the undertaking he gave on the 14th instant relative to political prisoners of war in Cork Prison who, in consequence of the insufficient quantity of food supplied, had gone on strike against eating it; and have these prisoners now been released or transferred to another place of confinement?

Mr. DUKE

I am not aware of the facts to which the question purports to refer. Certain prisoners have been conditionally released in accordance with the provisions of the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for III-health) Act, 1913.