§ 51 Mr. BYRNEasked the Prime Minister (1) if he is aware that, at a meeting of the Episcopal Standing Committee, held in Ireland on the 9th instant, the Irish bishops passed a resolution of protest against the application of Conscription to Ireland; whether the Government propose to pay any attention to the bishops warning; (2) whether representatives of labour in any part of Ireland were consulted before the Government decided to enforce Conscription on Irish workers; whether he recognises the danger of the stoppage of all trade, trams, and boats, and a general downing of tools in Ireland; (3) whether he intends to take any heed of the warnings of all parties in this House against the proposal to enforce Conscription on Ireland; if he is aware that the Irish people are opposed to Conscription, and that all parties and Labour organisations are solidly united to prevent its operation in Ireland; if he is aware of the effect on the Allies, especially America and France, if the Government should use their machine guns, artillery, and tanks now in Ireland to enforce military service on the people; and if he will now consider the advisability of withdrawing the proposals and submit the question of military service and settlement of the Irish question to a tribunal representing the Allied and neutral States, selection of tribunal and terms of reference being left in the hands of President Wilson or the Emperor of Japan?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI can add nothing to the statements already made in debate.
§ Mr. BYRNEThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the first question at all. Can we have any answer from him as to 200 whether he intends to pay no attention to the bishops' warning against Conscription?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt has been answered many times in debate. We have carefully considered all the reasons for and against, and the decision of the Government has been clearly stated.
§ Mr. BILLINGIf it is not the intention of the Government to enforce the power which the House has given them under the Bill, will they make an early announcement to that effect, and thus prevent disturbances taking place in Ireland?
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill not the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of making the same bargain with the bishops as he is making with certain other parties in Ireland?
§ Mr. FLAVINHas the right hon. Gentleman received any communication in any shape or form from any elective public bodies or boards in Ireland in favour of Conscription, and how many of such communications he has received?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI personally have not received any communications, but it is not likely that they would be addressed to me.
§ Mr. FLAVINWill the right hon. Gentleman ask the Chief Secretary how many he has received?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI shall be glad to ask him.