§ 58. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister who is at present responsible for the protection of the lives and property of His Majesty's subjects in Southern Ireland; and what steps are being taken to secure life and property in that area?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs regards the responsibility for the maintenance of law and order in Ireland, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in the Debate on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House on the 10th instant. His Majesty's Government is supporting the Provisional Government in their difficult task by all means in their power.
§ Sir W. DAVISONAs His Majesty's Government are still responsible for law and order in Southern Ireland, will the right hon. Gentleman explain why troops have not been used to release the 60 Ulstermen who have been kidnapped and are still kept in durance?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI will make, at the end of questions, a brief statement on the Irish situation, and my hon. Friend may ask any question arising therefrom.
§ Mr. RAWLINSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that the Irish Free State have power to hang a man for murder at the present time in Southern Ireland? Does not the power remain with the British Government?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThey have no legal powers. The only powers which exist are those that have always existed.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTIs that founded on "Alice in Wonderland"?