THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Bonar Law quizzed in house of commons over release of political prisoners

In the House of Commons Mr Hogge asked Mr Bonar Law whether it was the intention of the Government before the introduction of the Home Rule Bill to release Irish political prisoners and to withdraw the proclamations under the Crimes Act.

Mr Law replied: “The answer to both parts of that question is in the negative.”

Captain Redmond then stood in the chamber and asked: “Is this new idea on the part of the Government to enforce conciliation or coercion?”

To which Mr Law replied: “No sir; I am afraid it is not an entirely new idea on the part of some people in Ireland to make it necessary.”

Mr Hogge then stood to ask a further question: “Does not the right honourable gentleman think that, if the Government and the House are really in earnest in trying to reach an Irish settlement it would be useful to clear the ground by making these kinds of concessions.”

To which Mr Moles remarked: “Will he also tell us whether he does not think it is desirable, if he wishes to have the ground cleared, that there should be a discontinuance of the programme of murder and outrage?”

To which Capt Redmond added: “Would it not be a good idea to clear away all the originators of direct action in Ireland?

The PM replied: “The direct action which is most deplorable is murder. I should be very glad if the originators could be cleared out.”