HC Deb 19 April 1920 vol 128 cc19-20
36. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the Prime Minister whether he will cause a Report or Reports to be forthwith presented to this House describing the actual state of things in Ireland, including particularly the extent to which the machinery of government is paralysed there?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am communicating the suggestion of my Noble Friend to the Irish Government, but I hardly think that a general Report, such as is asked for, could be usefully given.

Lord R. CECIL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not think it is really of very great importance to bring before the people of this country in an authoritive way the real condition which apparently prevails in Ireland?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, I think there is some advantage in that, and, as I have said, I have communicated the suggestion in the question to the Irish Government.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the administration of the ordinary law has entirely ceased in the South and West of Ireland, and its place is being taken by self-constituted Sinn Fein Courts?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman should put that question on the Paper.