§ 97. Mr. ASHLEYasked why the Irish Office, when they became aware in August, 1914, of the excessive expenditure in connection with the five Crown witnesses who were being kept in Dublin, did not take steps to curtail it; who the official was 1535 who was responsible; and on what ground the Attorney-General for Ireland in November, 1914, authorised the continuance of an expenditure at a rate which amounted for these five witnesses to £550 7s. 8d. for five months?
Mr. SAMUELThe expenditure referred to first came to the knowledge of the Chief Secretary's office on the 24th August, 1914, which, after inquiry, drew the attention of the then Attorney-General for Ireland to the matter on the 2nd September, 1914, with a view to effecting reduction. The other points raised in the question were recently investigated by the Committee of Public Accounts, and I would ask the hon. Member to await the publication of the evidence in regard to them.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by the publication of the evidence? Who will publish this evidence?
Mr. SAMUELI understand that in the ordinary course the evidence taken before the Committee will be published.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that they published three months ago whatever evidence was given?