§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLINI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Agricultural Committee of the Tariff Commission will meet in Dublin on 25th, 26th, and 27th July, when witnesses from every part of Ireland will give evidence, and that a number of the members of the Commission will attend and assist in the inquiry; (2) will he say whether the Tariff Commission has any sanction from the Government; (3) whether the Government is giving any assistance, and, if so, of what nature, to the Commission; (4) whether any of the expenses of the Commission have been or will be borne by the Government; (5) whether any persons receiving remuneration of any kind from the Government will be permitted to give evidence before the Commission; (6) and whether an official statement will be issued stating the position of the Government in relation to this matter.
§ MR. WALTER LONGThe replies to all these questions are in the negative, with the exception of that inquiring whether persons receiving remuneration from the State will be permitted to give evidence. The reply to this inquiry is in the affirmative.
§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLINWho are these persons in Government employ who are to give evidence?
§ MR. WALTER LONGI have not the slightest idea.
§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLINThat is thoroughly characteristic of the Chief Secretary for Ireland.
§ MR. WALTER LONGSuch an observation as that is needlessly offensive. How can I know, when such information has not reached me?
§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLINI will ask the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Birmingham himself.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLHas this anything to do with the recent visit of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to Ireland?