§ 34. Viscount CURZONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the House can be informed of the total amount of stores and munitions of all kinds transferred ostensibly to the Irish Provisional Government from all sources up to the present time; if he can state what stores or munitions have been sold since the evacuation of the forces from Southern Ireland commenced; and whether an assurance can be given that no further transfer shall take place unless with the consent of Parliament?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI stated the other day that I did not think it in the public interest to give exact catalogues of the arms handed over to Northern Ireland, and I think I must observe a similar reticence about the Southern Government at the present time. But I shall be prepared at a later date to disclose all particulars to the House, and in the meanwhile I accept full responsibility for the action taken. No munitions have been handed over by the Army. No sales of police stores have taken place, but Army stores have been sold to the value of £20,614. With regard to the last part of the question, I must claim the usual discretion accorded to the Executive.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERHave we been paid yet for any of these stores which have been handed over?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. It is understood that such payment will be brought into the general account on the settlement between Great Britain and Ireland.