HC Deb 23 January 1913 vol 47 c599
48. Mr. MOORE

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education at Chester on Saturday last, in which he referred to Ulster resistance to Home Rule and asked what in such event could the civil population do against the British Army; and if it is the policy of the Government so outlined by this Minister to use in the event of Ulster's resistance to Home Rule the British Army to overcome it?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

My attention has not been drawn to the speech referred to except by the hon. Member's question, but my hon. Friend informs me that he made no reference, such as is suggested, to the British Army. As regards the policy of the Government I can add nothing to the statements I have made at various times when the matter has been discussed in the House.

Mr. MOORE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a report of the speech appeared in the "Daily Telegraph" on Monday, and that this is the third occasion on which a subordinate Minister has repudiated in this House language ascribed to him in the daily Press?

The PRIME MINISTER

The daily Press is always careful, but its reports are not always accurate.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Are we to understand that the reporters of the London newspapers do not report accurately?