§ 41. Mr. NEWBOULDasked the Chief Secretary whether he can now state when the Parliament and Government of Southern Ireland will be set up?
§ Mr. HENRYHis Majesty's Government have fixed the 3rd May next for bringing into operation the provisions of the Government of Ireland Act generally; but certain matters of a nature requiring consultation with the new Governments when established are excluded and will remain as at present until subsequent appointed days are fixed. On or about the 3rd of May the Lord Lieutenant will issue Proclamations summoning the Parliaments of Southern and Northern Ireland; the elections will be held, as stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, in May, and the establishment of the two Governments will follow in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill martial law be lifted in the martial law areas before the elections take place?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIf it is not possible to raise martial law how can it be expected that elections will be fairly held?
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhat is the object of holding elections in Southern Ireland when any candidates who do not support Sinn Fein would be shot? [HON. MEMBERS: "How do you know?"]