HC Deb 15 May 1916 vol 82 cc1123-5
46. Mr. GINNELL,

who had the following question on the Paper addressed to the Prime Minister: [Seeing that large numbers of Irish Catholic prisoners in Stafford and other English prisons were prevented from attending Mass last Sunday, notwithstanding the protests of the Catholic chaplains, whether the right hon. Gentleman will have this restriction removed next Sunday and all succeeding Sundays], said: I have been asked to postpone this question.

Mr. TENNANT

I wish to make a reply, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of questions addressed to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister relating to military matters in Ireland, but I have not yet received the necessary information which will enable me to reply to them. Perhaps hon. Members will put their questions down again. I hope to be able to answer in a day or two.

Mr. LYNCH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the manner of proceeding by the military in certain counties of Ireland is causing the greatest exasperation amongst those citizens who hitherto have had no sympathy with the Sinn Fein movement?

Mr. O'BRIEN

How soon can we have a statement made in reply to the questions which are upon the Paper? Where are we to look for information except in this House?

Mr. TENNANT

In relation to these military questions I hope to be able to answer them in two or three days.

Mr. GINNELL

I assume the right hon. Gentleman is not in a position to answer Questions 57 and 58, but will he answer No. 59, which refers to occurrences of two years ago?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I think it advisable, if the hon. Gentleman will be good enough, to postpone this question until the Prime Minister is in his place.

Mr. GINNELL

When will that be?

Mr. SAMUEL

I cannot definitely say.

Mr. O'BRIEN

May I say, with regard to the Prime Minister, that with all my heart I wish him success in his mission? I assume that the right hon. Gentleman cannot answer the question which I have on the Paper?

Mr. TENNANT

I am afraid I cannot, but I will give the hon. Gentleman the information as soon as possible.

Mr. MAURICE HEALY

I may assume that the right hon. Gentleman is not in a position to answer certain questions down in my name?

Mr. TENNANT

I cannot pretend to reply to them. The House will realise that owing to the congestion there are great difficulties of communication.

Back to