HC Deb 06 April 1914 vol 60 cc1620-2
48. Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Sir Arthur Paget made any Report by telegraph or in writing of what passed at his visit to the Curragh on 21st March; and, if so, whether such Report will be presented to the House?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir. I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that Sir Arthur Paget sent his military secretary to London on the evening of 21st March, and that he came over himself on the evening of the 22nd.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Therefore any report was verbal and no record was taken?

Mr. McKENNA

That is so.

57. Mr. GEORGE FABER

asked whether any plan for operations against Ulster was discussed or proposed or prepared at the War Office; and, if so, by whom and on whose instructions?

Mr. McKENNA

The War Office throughout kept in view the various contingencies which might arise as was their duty, but no "plan for operations against Ulster" was ever discussed, proposed or prepared at the War Office.

Mr. G. FABER

Was there any plan of operations in Ulster?

Mr. McKENNA

No, I have given the only answer I am able to give to the hon. Member. It is quite complete.

Viscount CASTLEREAGH

May I ask if that is the answer which will appear in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes.

Mr. MOORE

May I ask if there were plans or operations against "certain evilly disposed people in Ulster," which is the form in the correspondence?

Mr. McKENNA

If the hon. Member would put any question on the Paper—

Mr. MOORE

Surely that can be answered. May I put it to the right hon. Gentleman if we are to have peace with honour, we may have the truth, too.

94. Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a number of officers serving in the forces of the Crown answered in the negative a question put to them at the instance of the War Office by the officer commanding the forces in Ireland, relative to their. willingness to take part in active operations to enforce a settlement of the Home-Rule question in certain parts of Ireland; whether public meetings to condemn the-conduct of these officers are being held and addressed by the junior Members of the Government; and whether on this matter he is now able to add anything to the policy of the Government as outlined by the Lord Chancellor, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and the Secretary of State for War?

Mr. McKENNA

The reply to all the branches of the question is in the negative.

Mr. NEWMAN

Would the Home Secretary give advice to the junior Members of the Government on the subject?

Mr. McKENNA

None is needed.