§ 57. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement with regard to his negotiations with the Sinn Fein leaders?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no statement to make on the subject beyond repeating the willingness of the Government to explore every avenue which might lead to a real and lasting settlement with Ireland.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs there anything hopeful in what is reported in the Press with regard to negotiations with a view to a settlement? Can the right hon. Gentleman say that without committing himself to details?
§ Mr. DEVLINHas the right hon. Gentleman received and replied to the telegram from Father O'Flanagan, who is at present the only spokesman of Sinn Fein who is not in prison?
§ Mr. MOLESBefore replying to that question will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has seen a statement from the Sinn Fein Council this morning, which declares that any person purporting to enter into negotiations with the British Government will be regarded by the Council as a traitor, and dealt with accordingly?
§ Mr. MacVEAGHNeither has the hon. Member. He saw it on the tape.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no doubt that if anything of the kind has been issued it would be brought to my notice, but I should regret it very much. With regard to the telegram referred to by my hon. Friend, I received it only about an hour ago, and I should consider the reply which is to be given.
§ Major O'NEILLIn order to clear up misapprehensions, may I ask whether the Government have or have not any alternative with regard to Irish policy apart from that already sanctioned by this House in the Government of Ireland Bill?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDocs the right hon. Gentleman consider Father O'Flanagan as a Sinn Feiner on the bridge, able to speak for the Sinn Fein party? Has the right hon. Gentleman not declared that it will be his policy to negotiate with any representative Sinn Feiner?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is what we want to find out. If I may very respectfully suggest it to the House, I do not think it will be very helpful if there be too many conflicting questions on the subject.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is hopeful with regard to negotiations being kept open?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say anything beyond what I have said repeatedly in this House and outside—that the Government are willing to discuss with anybody who is authorised to speak on behalf of Irish opinion any question which will bring peace to Ireland.
§ Major O'NEILLMay I press the right hon. Gentleman for an answer to my question, namely, whether the Government have or have not a different policy, with regard to Ireland, from that already sanctioned by this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have repeatedly stated in this House the policy of the Government in reference to the Bill and in reference to negotiations, and I do not think it would be possible for me to say more in the course of an answer to a supplementary question.