HC Deb 18 June 1913 vol 54 cc371-2
47. Mr. CHANCELLOR

asked 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?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

No, Sir.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Is Lord Farnham, to whom the rifles were addressed, a member of the league?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not know whether he is or not.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Is the Irish Government making any inquiry into the matter?

Mr. MOORE

No.

Mr. BIRRELL

The Irish Government have already made inquiries.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Is 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. CHANCELLOR

asked 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. WEDGWOOD

asked 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 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. McKENNA

The 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. MOORE

Hear, hear ! Never will be! It would take an earthquake to move them.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is not to answer questions on behalf of Ministers yet.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

May 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. McKENNA

I can add nothing to the answer I have given.