§ 52. Mr. G. FABERasked the Prime Minister if he will state why there is a differentiation between England and Ireland in respect of the flat-racing allowed in the two countries respectively: whether racing was stopped or curtailed by the Government on the ground of shortage of oats; and, if so, whether there is the same shortage of oats in both countries?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. Racing is stopped in England and curtailed in Ireland upon grounds of policy in relation to food supply and the conduct of the War. The course pursued in Ireland was taken after consideration of all the circumstances of the case, including that of economy of oats, and was that which was thought to be best adapted to secure the ends in view.
§ Mr. FABERHas an answer not already been given in this House that racing was to be stopped in both countries on the ground of the shortage of oats, and not on the ground of any question of policy? Has not that statement been made by a responsible Minister in this House?
Sir H. DALZIELCan the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government came to a decision that racing was to be stopped in Ireland, and why they made a public announcement to that effect? Is my right hon. Friend aware that an official announcement was made that racing was to be stopped in Ireland, that a public announcement was made to this effect in Ireland, and, in spite of that, owing to the defiance of the racing authorities, the Government took no action? Why is this consideration given to Ireland and not to England?
§ Mr. DUKEIt has been done on grounds of policy relating both to food supplies and the conduct of the War. The position with regard to Ireland, so far as I am aware, is that there was no official announcement on the stoppage of racing in Ireland. [HON. MEMBERS: "Yes!"] If there had been any such announcement I must have known of it, but, so far as I am aware, an official announcement was not made. When I became aware of what was contemplated in this matter I had the closest possible inquiry made into the matter, because the conditions in Ireland are very different from those in this country. The course which was taken in Ireland was that which has resulted in the diminution of racing to an enormous extent—a diminution which is as unsatisfactory to the owners of racehorses in Ireland as to the owners in England. The course taken was adopted after careful consideration of all the circumstances, and I think it was the best course for dealing with the situation.
§ Mr. FABERWas it or was it not the decision of the War Cabinet that racing should be stopped in both countries on account of the shortage of oats, and if it is stopped in England and not in Ireland is it because the Government is afraid of Ireland and is not afraid of England?
Sir H. DALZIELIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement was made from the Treasury Bench on behalf of the Prime Minister that racing was to be stopped in Ireland?
§ Mr. DUKENo, Sir; I am not aware of it. It is impossible for me to carry in my mind statements made from this bench if I do not hear them. I have stated fully and candidly what the position was. The question of racing in Ireland had to be considered by the Irish Executive with 766 reference to Irish conditions. A certain amount of responsibility rested upon the Chief Secretary with regard to this matter, as well as other matters, and so far as I am aware the steps taken in Ireland have been, I will not say cheerfully taken, but they have been acquiesced in by those interested, and they have secured substantially the objects in view in the steps which were taken in this country.
§ Mr. FABERBefore the right hon. Gentleman decided to differentiate between England and Ireland in this matter did he consult the War Cabinet or the Prime Minister?
§ Mr. DUKEI am at liberty to answer the part of the question as to communications between hon. Members of the House, but I am not at liberty to answer as to communications between myself and other members of the Privy Council. So far as my communications with the Irish Members are concerned, I am afraid that if hon. Members would consult Irish Members they would find that there is a great deal more complaint of the conduct of the Irish Executive about racing than there is here.
§ Admiral of the Fleet Sir H. MEUXHas the pledge given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, representing the Prime Minister, already been forgotten?
§ Mr. DUKEIf the hon. and gallant Member will tell me what pledge he refers to, I shall be very glad to answer his question.
§ Sir H. MEUXThe pledge that England would receive the same measure of justice as might be conceded to Ireland.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre we to understand that a statement made on behalf of the Prime; Minister in this House does not bind another, member of the Government if he does not hear it?
§ Mr. DUKEThat is quite an erroneous supposition. I am quite sure that if my colleagues think that my conduct is not consistent with their general policy they will inform me of their conclusion on that subject. So far as Irish administration generally is concerned, it is my business to conduct it with a view to Irish as well as English conditions, and whatever critical distinctions may be made I can assure the House that I am doing my best.