HC Deb 27 June 1917 vol 95 cc375-6
54. Sir JOHN JARDINE

asked the Prime Minister if he intends to give a day for discussion of the Report of the Royal Commission on the Mesopotamian expedition?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I should be glad if my hon. Friend would put down the question again next week after the House has had time to study the Report.

Mr. DEVLIN

Is it the right hon. Gentleman's intention to continue Lord Hardinge in the position he now occupies?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer which I have given replies to that also. I would rather not make any statement on the matter until the House has had a little more time to consider the Report.

Mr. DEVLIN

What will be done with Lord Hardinge's Report in connection with the recent troubles in Ireland?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I had hoped to avoid saying anything about this at all to-day, but it is obvious to the House that the Government could not allow a Report of this kind to reach them without immediately taking steps to see what action should be taken.

Mr. DEVLIN

Is the principle of the Government in appointing these Commissioners that of setting a thief to catch a thief?

Sir J. JARDINE

Will the right hon. Gentleman deal with the cases of the officials censured in the Report during the interval or not?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have already said that it must be obvious that it is the duty of the Government to take immediate action in regard to those who are specially accused of culpability in the matter.

Mr. KING

Is Lord Hardinge still in a position of great authority and eminence at the Foreign Office?

Mr. BONAR LAW

These questions assume that Lord Hardinge has been guilty. I do not wish to make any such assumption at present.

Mr. KING

Is not the right hon. Gentleman of opinion that, pending a final judgment of the House, the Government—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.