47. Mr. CHANCELLORasked the Prime Minister whether he has any official information showing that there is any connection between the British League for the Support of Ulster and the Union and the rifles recently seized in Belfast?
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs Lord Farnham, to whom the rifles were addressed, a member of the league?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know whether he is or not.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs the Irish Government making any inquiry into the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Irish Government have already made inquiries.
Mr. CHANCELLORIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the "Globe" of 10th June states:—
The weapons are now being taken over by the British League for the Support or Ulster and the L nion, of 25, Ryder Street, St. James's, who will continue to distribute them"?
48. Mr. CHANCELLORasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the existence of a society formed under the title of the British League for the Support of Ulster and the Union, having headquarters in Ryder Street, St. James's; whether the Government has any information as to the avowed objects of this society; whether he is aware that these objects include active preparation for the resistance by force of the Government of Ireland Bill; and whether His Majesty's Government intends to indict for conspiracy those responsible for the formation of the society?
§ 49. Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the existence of a society formed under the title of the British League for the support of Ulster and the Union, and having headquarters in Ryder Street, St. James's; whether the Government has any information as to the avowed objects of this society; and whether, if such 372 objects include active preparation for the resistance by force of the Government of Ireland Bill, His Majesty's Government intends to indict for conspiracy those responsible for the formation of the society?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer these questions. My attention has been called to newspaper accounts of the society referred to and of its alleged objects; but I am advised that there is not at present sufficient evidence on which action could be taken.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is not to answer questions on behalf of Ministers yet.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask whether the police have made any inquiry into this society, and whether they have proved any connection between this society and the arms recently imported into Ulster 7 And further, whether Lord Farnham is or is not an officer of the society?
§ Mr. McKENNAI can add nothing to the answer I have given.