§ Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENasked the Prime Minister whether the Departmental Committee which reported to the Government on the question of Irish finance was unanimous in its findings; and, if not, what members of the Committee signed the Majority Report?
§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked whether the Special Committee appointed to inquire into the question of the financial relations between Great Britain and Ireland have presented their Report; and, if so, whether it is intended to make public the results of their investigation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Committee have presented their Report. As I have frequently stated, it is a confidential document prepared for the use of the Government. I cannot, therefore, answer any questions as to its contents or undertake to make it public.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENWill the right hon. Gentleman at least relieve the anxiety in Ireland by stating, even from himself, what was the conclusion of this Committee as to the fate of the 192,000 Irish tenants who are not able to purchase under the Act of 1909?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir, I cannot disclose anything. The document is confidential.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman state whether the contents of this confidential document have been communicated to the hon. Member for Waterford or any other unofficial Member of the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYMay I ask whether the seal of confidence extended to the members themselves, or whether they are at liberty to publish their opinions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no doubt they will observe the obligation of confidence.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYWas the obligation of confidence imposed upon those gentlemen, including the Bishop of Ross, before they consented to become members of it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt would be a most unusual and discourteous thing to have imposed such.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYWas any communication made to any of these gentlemen to the effect that they were serving upon a confidential committee?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, they were all informed.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman why, in view of the importance of this subject, it is necessary to> make the Report confidential when so many are so anxious to know what is the result of the inquiries made by these experts?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Report was made for the information of the Government with a view to legislation.