HC Deb 29 February 1912 vol 34 cc1533-4
Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he would publish the recommendations of the Committee on Irish Finance before the forthcoming convention of the Irish Nationalist party in Dublin at Easter; and (2) whether any Member of the House outside the Government was shown the recommendations of the Committee on Irish Finance?

Mr. HORNER

asked the Prime Minister whether the findings contained in the Report of the Committee upon the Financial Relations between Great Britain and Ireland were unanimous; and, if so, whether the Government were going to adopt them in the forthcoming Home Rule Bill?

Mr. McKENNA (for the Prime Minister)

I have nothing to add to previous answers as to the publication of this Report. In the meantime I can say nothing as to its contents or as to the procedure of the Committee, or as to the persons to whom the Report has or has not been shown.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a specific reply to the question, "Has any Member of the House outside the Government been shown the recommendations of the Committee? That question has not been specifically answered before.

Mr. McKENNA

The answer is: In the meantime I can say nothing as to the persons to whom the report has or has not been shown.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Then we are to assume that, while it is refused to the House, it has been shown to other people?

Mr. McKENNA

The hon. Member must not assume that as a consequence of my answer. All I say is, that I can say nothing as to whom it may or may not have been shown.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to deny it?

Mr. McKENNA

That would be saying something as to the persons to whom it may or may not have been shown. I can say nothing.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I was not asking to whom it has been shown, but whether it has been shown, to anyone?

Mr. McKENNA

I can say nothing.

Mr. HORNER

May I ask whether, although these recommendations have not been actually shown—[Several HON. MEMBERS: "They have been shown"]—they have been either directly or indirectly communicated to persons outside the Government?

Mr. McKENNA

I can add nothing to what I have said.