HC Deb 21 March 1918 vol 104 c1172
24. Colonel BURN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention had been called to an alleged speech by the hon. Member for North Westmeath at a meeting held in the Square, Kilcock, county Meath, on Sunday, 3rd March, when he is said to have advised the people to form a deputation and demand land from the proprietors, and, in the event of a refusal being given, to take possession of the land they wanted and act as the Sinn Fein party had done in county Clare; and will he say what action is to be taken in the matter?

Mr. SAMUELS

I cannot add anything to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member's question, as published in the OFFICIAL REPORT yesterday.

Colonel BURN

Has the hon. and learned Gentleman received any authentic information as to the statement made in that question as to whether the hon. Member for North Westmeath did make these remarks in a speech?

Mr. SAMUELS

The information which I have is that the hon. Member for North Westmeath made a speech as referred to in the question, and the matter is under the consideration of the Government.

Colonel BURN

Does not the hon. and learned Gentleman know that there are many other things said in that speech which are a great deal worse than those that are put down in the question?

Mr. SAMUELS

I have not got the speech before me, and I cannot answer that.