47. Major C. LOWTHERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information as to the casualties suffered in killed and wounded among Free State and rebel forces in Ireland since the commencement of the bombardment of the Four Courts?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have no information in regard to these casualties beyond what has appeared in the Press.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to make a statement at the close of Questions on the real position in Ireland at the moment?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have no special information to give the House to-day, beyond what is contained in the newspapers. I think the suppression of the revolt in Dublin is nearly complete, and I presume that the Provisional Government will now address themselves to the state of affairs in different parts of Ireland.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman receive communications from time to time as to what is taking place in Ireland at the present moment?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, I do, but nothing like so frequently as the newspapers, and, on the whole, the information I have runs in no way counter to the general information supplied by the newspapers. At the present moment I have not any information that would add to the knowledge which the House has through the usual sources.
Mr. G. MURRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman not arrange with the Provisional Government for a daily bulletin to be sent to him as to what is happening in Ireland?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. I am not going to worry these men who are fighting under very difficult circumstances, and, under circumstances peculiarly painful to them, are endeavouring to restore order in their own country. I am not going to worry them for communications from hour to hour.