26. Colonel NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received communications urging that the pledge given by the Government that a Bill to complete land purchase in Ireland would be introduced and proceeded with pari passu with the Measure consti- 280 tuting a part of Ireland a Free State should be observed; and what answer has he been able to make?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)I am not in a position to make any statement at the present time on the question of the completion of land purchase.
Rear-Admiral Sir R. HALLMay I ask whether it is the policy of the Government that the British taxpayer should be further taxed to provide the benefits which they cheerfully provided for united Ireland for those who advocate separation?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI can add nothing to the answer.
§ Mr. MOLESWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether, if the Imperial Government does not deal with the residue of the Irish land question in so far as the Irish Free State is concerned, it will deal with it in so far as Ulster, which will remain in this Imperial Parliament, is concerned?
Colonel NEWMANDoes it mean that the pledge given by the Government in regard to the 1920 Act is now dead?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI must ask the hon. and gallant Member to accept the answer that I have given as the best that I can give.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill my right hon. Friend, in considering this matter, bear in mind that under the proposed settlement the position of Irish landlords will be one of intense danger and that they are entitled to the protection of this Parliament?