§ 45. Mr. DILLONasked the Prime Minister why the evidence taken before the Commission of Inquiry into the Porto bello barrack murders has not yet been published; and when it will be presented.
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)This was an open inquiry and was very fully reported in the Press at the time. The republication of 1322 the evidence as a Blue Book is not, therefore, regarded as a matter of urgent importance at the present time.
§ Mr. DILLONHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact that shortly before Christmas the then Prime Minister gave me an unqualified pledge that the evidence would be now published? In view of the fact that most of the present Ministers were members of that Government, are they going to repudiate that pledge?
§ Mr. DUKEIf the hon. Gentleman refers to the question and answer I think he will find there is no word "now" in the answer. Whether there should be the expenditure of the labour and money required for producing a Blue Book, which, so far as I can see, is not of urgent necessity, especially at the present time, is a matter for consideration. In the judgment of the Government at this time there is no necessity for spending money and labour in this way.
§ Mr. DILLONThere is very great necessity. I shall call attention to the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment the first opportunity I get.
§ Mr. LYNCHAs the Prime Minister never comes to the House, may I ask the Leader of the House how far he has power to engage the responsibility of the Prime Minister by a pledge given in this House?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat hardly arises out of this question.