HC Deb 15 May 1912 vol 38 cc1127-8
Mr. AMERY

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Government of Ireland Bill was submitted to the Committee of Imperial Defence for consideration before being introduced; and (2) whether the proposed transfer of the control of the Post Office to the Irish Parliament under the Government of Ireland Bill, together with the right to conduct postal and telegraphic negotiations with Foreign Powers, has been submitted to the Committee of Imperial Defence for their opinion?

The PRIME MINISTER

It would be contrary to usage to state what matters have or have not been submitted to the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Mr. AMERY

asked if the right hon. Gentleman can say in what way it is contemplated to enforce the Press censorship in Ireland in time of war; and whether the question has been submitted to the Committee of Imperial Defence for an expression of their views?

The PRIME MINISTER

Matters arising from a state of war are reserved to the Parliament and Government of the United Kingdom, and His Majesty's Government do not anticipate that there will be any difficulty in the enforcement of a Press censorship in Ireland in time of war, but I am not prepared to state the means which will be adopted. With regard to the last part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given.