HC Deb 11 June 1917 vol 94 c611
Mr. GINNELL

I handed in a Motion for a further question. I desire to ask the Chief Secretary whether he is—

Mr. DUKE

On a point of Order. As I sat on this bench this afternoon I received a note in the handwriting of the hon. Member. I had not time to read it until a few minutes ago, and it is impossible that I could have obtained any information about it.

Mr. GINNELL

Before you give your ruling will the Chief Secretary be candid enough to inform the House that he received a telegram from me from Richmond at 10 o'clock this morning.

Mr. DUKE

No, Sir, I did not.

Mr. GINNELL

Having sent a telegram to the Irish Office, Westminster, am I not entitled to ask a question now?

Mr. SPEAKER

If this is the question relating to the prevention of a public meeting, the hon. Member sent me a copy of that and I had time to read it. I think he is entitled to ask it, but whether he gets an answer or not is a different thing.

Mr. GINNELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary whether he has any statement to make on the forcible prevention of public meetings in Ireland, in denunciation of the cruelty to Irish political prisoners in England, and on the possible consequences of such forcible prevention if persisted in?

Mr. DUKE

No, Sir, I have not.