HC Deb 08 August 1916 vol 85 c863
49. Mr. LUNDON

asked whether the present Irish Lord Chancellor has been or will be consulted as to the government of Ireland; whether he is aware that previous Lord Chancellors were always brought into consultation on matters affecting Irish administration; whether Lord Chancellor O'Brien has been scarcely ever brought into consultation during the past two years because of the suspicion that he was a Home Ruler as well as a Roman Catholic; and, if so, will he see that such a state of things will not be allowed to continue?

The PRIME MINISTER

There are certain matters in regard to the administration of Ireland in which in my opinion the Lord Chancellor ought to be consulted, and I know that the new Chief Secretary takes the same view. There is no ground for the suggestion in the latter part of the question.

Mr. LUNDON

Is it not a fact that during the last two years the Irish Lord Chancellor has not been consulted upon anything?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir, I do not think it is a fact.

Mr. LUNDON

Will you make inquiries?