§ MR. T. L. CORBETTOn behalf of the hon. Member for East Down, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is pro posed by the Government to alter in any way by legislation the present status of the Royal Irish Constabulary, or interfere with existing arrangements whereby its administration and financial control are retained in the hands of the executive Government directly responsible to the British House of Commons.
MR. BRYCEI have already told the House that I cannot, in the course of the present session, make any statement, either of a positive or negative character, in regard to any possible future legislation which may affect any branch of the Government of Ireland; and the hon. Member will doubtless understand that he is not to draw any inference whatever from this statement which, for obvious reasons, must be made in the most general terms that can be employed.
§ MR. T. L. CORBETTIs the right hon. Gentleman willing to ask the Prime 75 Minister to consult the members of the Irish Unionist Party as to any future legislation?
MR. BRYCEMy right hon. friend has already stated that he will be most happy to receive suggestions from members of the so-called Unionist Party.