HC Deb 05 August 1918 vol 109 cc894-5
77. Mr. F. MEEHAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government have, in accordance with his promise, taken any steps to lift the arms and ammunition in Ulster; and why there was any differentiation made between the rebels of Ulster and those of the other three provinces?

79. Mr. BOLAND

asked whether any steps have been taken to disarm the Ulster Volunteers in North-East Ulster?

80. Mr. FIELD

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state when he intends to demand the Ulster Volunteers to give up their rifles in accordance with the Government's expressed intention?

Mr. SHORTT

As I have already stated in reply to previous questions on this subject, I cannot make any general statement at present with regard to the matters referred to, beyond saying that steps are in progress to secure the surrender of arms throughout the entire country.

Mr. MEEHAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of consulting the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Trinity College, with a view to getting his consent to the collection of those arms in Ulster?

Mr. SHORTT

His consent has nothing to do with it.

Mr. FLAVIN

Has any Member of the Ulster Provisional Council yet been called on personally to surrender rifles or to use his influence to have them surrendered in any part of Ulster?

Mr. SHORTT

I have already said that I cannot make any statement at the present time.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what steps he is taking?

Mr. SHORTT

No.

Mr. DEVLIN

In reference to the statement of the hon. Member for East Down that the Ulster Provisional Government offered their rifles to the Government, will the right hon. Gentleman say is the statement true, and did the Government accept the offer?

Mr. SHORTT

I cannot make any statement.

Mr. DEVLIN

On a point of Order—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of his question.

Mr. DEVLIN

As we are now coming to the end of the Session and this is a very important matter, are we not entitled to the information for which I am asking?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should put his question on the Paper.