§ Mr. DILLONMay I ask whether, in the course of the proceedings to-day or on the Adjournment, there will be anyone to answer for Ireland? A rumour has reached me that orders or warnings have been issued to the people in Dublin to keep indoors on St. Patrick's Day, and I am very anxious to get some authoritative statement.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI can only say that I know nothing of the circumstances to which the hon. Member has alluded, but, as it happens, the Chief Secretary went to Ireland only yesterday, and I do not think there will be anybody here who will be able to answer with authority for the Department as to anything that is being done in Ireland.
§ Mr. DILLONI do not blame the Chief Secretary for having gone to Ireland, and of course he cannot be in two places at once; but I would ask the right hon. Gentleman to inquire if anyone of his colleagues will be able to inform us on the Adjournment whether there is any truth in this rumour as to warnings addressed to the people of Dublin to remain indoors to-morrow?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWCertainly I shall be pleased to give any information that is in the possession of the Irish Office.
§ Mr. DEVLINMay I ask whether it would be possible in this troublous time for the Chief Secretary for Ireland to spend more time in that country, and will it be possible for one of the Under-Secretares to answer questions? In my judgment the people in charge of the Government of Ireland at the present time are trying to provoke the people of Ireland.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a speech which can be delivered later.