§ 48. Lord R. CECILasked the Prime Minister whether his personal attention has been called to the present condition of Ireland; and whether he can make any statement as to the policy of the Government for restoring order in that country?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second that I can only repeat the statements already made that it is the intention of the Government to use all the resources at its disposal to protect life and property in Ireland.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYMay I ask whether, in view of the breakdown of British rule in Ireland, the Government will approach America with a view to her accepting the mandate for the government of that country?
§ Brigadier-General CROFTHas attention been called to the fact that there have been recent burnings of property in county Monaghan, and are there any troops in that county?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat is a matter of detail. I cannot give a detailed answer.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYMay I have an answer to my question?