MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked what was the cost of moving troops on the occasion of the recent visit of the First Lord of the Admiralty to Belfast; what was the cost of maintenance in that city; and to whom it will be charged?
§ Colonel SEELYIt is estimated that the additional expenditure incurred will amount to £2,700. The cost will be borne on Army funds.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEMay I ask if it would not lead to public economy if, in cases where there is likely to be grave disorder, Ministers were warned beforehand and asked to postpone their visit?
§ Colonel SEELYNo, Sir. I think the rights of free speech have got to be safeguarded.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEMay I ask if the Government are equally prepared to preserve the rights of free work for those who want to work?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not think that arises out of this question.
§ Mr. MOOREMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that this estimate works out at about 15s a word of the speech, and if the Government thinks it is worth it?
§ Colonel SEELYHad it been necessary to take similar measures to secure free speech for the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Dublin University (Sir E. Carson) in Dublin, the same cost would have been incurred.
§ Mr. MOOREMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that there was no attack made upon free speech? If 441 there had been the First Lord of the Admiralty would not have been allowed to speak at all. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only objection was to the most offensive choice of a site?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is not the time to discuss the matter.