asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that Felix O'Byrne and Soumas O'Reilly, at present imprisoned in Peterhead Prison, went on hunger strike on the 28th June; that other prisoners, including Thomas McShea and Seumas Monaghan, have been on hunger strike in sympathy with these men; will he inform the House whether any of these prisoners have been forcibly fed; what is the present state of their health; and will he state the number of prisoners still detained in Peterhead Prison, or any other Scottish prison, for and on behalf of either the Northern Government of Ireland or the Free State Government?

O'Byrne and Reilly went on hunger strike on the 27th June, Monaghan on the 29th June, and McShea on the 1st July. These prisoners were forcibly fed from and after various dates in July. All four ceased their hunger strike on the 24th July, and are at present taking food. Their health is reported to be good, and they are expected to be back at work in a few days. Thirty-three prisoners are at present detained in Scottish prisons on behalf of the Government of Northern Ireland and none on behalf of the Irish Free State Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these 33 prisoners are being treated differently from any other prisoners in Scotland; and will he take steps to see that at least in regard to visitation they are made equal to other prisoners in Scotland?

Is it a fact that the Government of Northern Ireland do not possess a convict prison?

I understand that the accommodation in Northern Ireland is not sufficient. I do not think that the hon. Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan) is correct when he states that these prisoners are differently treated from other prisoners.

Captain BENN:

Is it not a fact that the Free State Government have already amnestied their political prisoners, and will he ask the Government of Northern Ireland whether they will do the same?

That does not arise out of this question.