HC Deb 21 July 1919 vol 118 c893
62. Major M'KENZIE WOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the continued existence of the Ulster provisional government; and whether the Law Officers of the Crown have been consulted as to the legality of this organisation?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to both parts of the questions is in the negative.

Major WOOD

Were not Members of His Majesty's Government members also of the Ulster provisional government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I said that the Prime Minister has not had his attention called to the existence of such a government.

Mr. DEVLIN

Did not the Prime Minister know of the Ulster provisional government at the time he was making military preparations to deal with it—when the right hon. Gentleman was one of the leaders of it?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Perhaps my hon. Friend will take some opportunity of putting that question to the Prime Minister when he is here.

Mr. DEVLIN

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman was one of the chief patrons of the provisional government, could he not enlighten the House as to where the provisional government stands, and where he stands in relation to it?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know exactly what the hon. Gentleman means by "patron." In most cases it means money, but in this case it did not.