HC Deb 13 July 1922 vol 156 c1440
27. Captain BENN

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give a definite date for the termination of the office of Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in accordance with the under taking given in February last that the office would cease within a few weeks?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Lloyd George)

No, Sir: I am not in a position to add to the recent replies that have been given to questions on this subject.

Captain BENN

Did not the Colonial Secretary say that this office would cease in a few weeks. How much longer are we going to pay for an office that is a useless one?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have looked at the answer given and it does not infer that. No doubt, my right hon. Friend thought the whole situation might be cleared up, but naturally there is need, if this office were disposed of, for someone to attend to these matters.

Captain BENN

Would the Prime Minister give any time limit for the duration of this useless office?

The PRIME MINISTER

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman can give me a time limit for the troubles in Ireland.