HC Deb 29 June 1916 vol 83 cc1026-7

The following questions stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. MALCOLM:—

50. To ask the Prime Minister whether the proposals for a settlement of the Irish difficulties suggested by the Minister of Munitions to the senior Member for Dublin University and to the Member for Waterford had previously been presented to or sanctioned by the Cabinet?

51. To ask the Prime Minister whether the exclusion of six Ulster counties from the operation of a Home Rule Parliament was suggested by the Minister of Munitions as a permanent factor in his proposed scheme for a settlement of the Irish question or as a temporary expedient pending the introduction of the Home Rule Act?

Mr. MALCOLM

I have been asked to postpone question No. 50. Perhaps the Prime Minister could answer 51?

Lord HUGH CECIL

Why is it impospossible to clear up the ambiguity arising out of this question?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must ask the Noble Lord to be content with my statement that it is not desirable to say anything at the present time.

55. Major WALTER GUINNESS

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a statement of the Member for West Belfast that any settlement of the Irish question must involve an amnesty for the Irish rebels who have recently been condemned to imprisonment and penal servitude; and whether the Cabinet has consented, or will be asked to consent, to this condition?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part is in the negative.