§ 47. Mr. HERBERT SAMUELasked the Prime Minister whether any change is contemplated in the status of the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ire land or in his functions in the government of Ireland?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr Bonar Law)There is no change in the constitutional position, but 356 in view of the present situation in Ireland, the Viceroy will exercise to a greater extent than has been the case in recent times the full responsibilities attaching to his office.
§ Mr. SAMUELWill the Chief Secretary be accountable to this House for the government of Ireland, and will he have full control over the measures in respect of which he is accountable?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWHe will be accountable to the House. The position will be more or less that which has sometimes existed in the past. Both Ministers will have what is practically Cabinet rank. They will not be members of the War Cabinet, but will have the equivalent of Cabinet rank in ordinary times.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt will be according as the duties of his position demand. We hope he will be available, as far as possible, for the work in this House.
§ Mr. SAMUELWhat is the constitutional position of a Minister who has the equivalent of Cabinet rank without being a member of the Cabinet?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is a problem. Cabinet rank has no constitutional position. It is just custom. The constitutional position depends on the office.
§ 51. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Prime Minister whether he can state the reason why General Sir Bryan Mahon has been relieved of his command in Ireland?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI can make no statement on the subject.