§ 97. Mr. DILLONasked whether the Order compelling Members of the House of Commons representing Irish constituencies to obtain a police permit to enable them to attend the House of Commons for the discharge of their Parliamentary duties has been abolished; and, if not, what is the reason for the delay in taking this course?
§ 35. Sir R. COOPERasked whether any restrictions have recently been imposed on Members representing Irish constituencies desiring to travel between their constituencies or their homes and this House in connection with their Parliamentary duties; whether such restrictions are imposed by Statute or by some other form of authority, and, if so, what authority; whether the proper legal advisers were consulted beforehand as to the effect of the Statute or other form of authority on the privileges of Members of this House; and, if so, what advice was received?
§ Sir G. CAVEUnder Regulation 14G of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, 1100 which came into operation on the 21st May last, any person proceeding as a passenger from Great Britain to Ireland is required to obtain a permit. Arrangements were made soon after the Regulation came into force under which any Member of Parliament may, on application at the Permit Office, in London, obtain a pass enabling him from time to time to go to Ireland without molestation. No permit is required by a person proceeding from Ireland to Great Britain.
§ Sir J. CRAIGDo these permits not facilitate Members getting to and fro?
§ Sir G. CAVEThat is so.
§ Mr. DILLONIs it not a fact that under this permit system it is in the power of the Executive Government to prevent Members of Parliament attending to their duties? It is the principle we object to.
§ Sir G. CAVEI do not think that that is so. No permit is required to come to Great Britain. A general pass is issued at once to any Member who desires to go to and fro.
§ Mr. KINGIf those Members of Parliament from Ireland who are at present interned in England apply for a permit will it be immediately granted?
§ Sir G. CAVECertainly, when they are released.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Irish Members of Parliament are prevented from going to their homes in Ireland without a special permit, and are therefore unable to attend to their Parliamentary duties, because they must pass through their homes on their way to London?
§ Sir G. CAVEI suppose that that question relates to some regulation in Ireland, because there is nothing to prevent them coming to Great Britain.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Members of this House are unable to leave their homes in Ireland without getting permits?
§ Sir G. CAVEI am not aware of that.
§ Mr. FLAVINOf course you are not.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Member of this House is entitled to go to and fro between his home and the House without molestation, and may I ask whether, on 1101 a point of this kind, it is not the Chief Secretary for Ireland who is responsible, so far as that country is concerned, for giving permission, and not the Home Secretary?
§ Sir G. CAVEIt is in order to give effect to these passes that they are submitted to me.
§ Sir J. DOUGHERTYMay I ask whether facilities will be given for any of the families of Members to return with them?
§ Sir G. CAVEI am sure there will be no difficulty, and if an application be made it will be attended to.
§ Mr. MacNEILLI possess a permit now, but if I refuse to use it what would the right hon. Gentleman do with me?