§ Mr. HOGGE(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the conflicting statements which are appearing with reference to the Govern- 1889 ment's negotiations with Sinn Fein, he can now see his way to make an authoritative statement?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot add anything to the replies given yesterday on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. HOGGEDo we understand that the Government are willing that the statements now appearing, such as that published in the "Times" this morning from the "Irish Independent," should appear in this great crisis without the country knowing whether the Government really mean business?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWe have a considerable amount of faith in the common sense even of the readers of the newspapers, and I should have thought that anyone who read that account would have seen its absurdity on the face of it.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask whether a reply has been sent to Father O'Flanagan; and, if so, may the House be informed what it is?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, Sir; no reply has been sent.
§ Mr. HOGGEMay I take it that the account which appears in the "Times" this morning from the "Irish Independent" is not true?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have already given people outside credit for a certain amount of common sense, as I give it to my hon. Friend.