§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what are the reasons for which the examination of witnesses 277 before the Commission to inquire into the conduct of the late war has been conducted throughout with closed doors, and the consequent with-holding of the evidence from the public; and what communications have passed between the Government and the Commission on this subject; and what suggestions or representations were made by the Government, either directly of indirectly, to the Commission with regard to the secret character of this inquiry; and what explanation, if any, has he to give for the departure by the Commission of Inquiry from the examination of witnesses in public.
§ MR. BRODRICKThese questions rest entirely with the Commission and do not in any way concern the Secretary of State for War.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI must now ask what suggestions or representations were made by the Government, either directly or indirectly, with regard to the secret character of the inquiry?
§ MR. BRODRICKNo representations were made by my Department, nor so far as I am aware, by any Department or Member of the Government.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWhy has the right hon. Gentleman chanaged his mind with reference—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That question does not arise out of the answer.