§ 75. Mr. McCONNELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the intentions of the Government regarding the building of 170 houses, already promised under the Discharged Sailors and Soldiers (Ireland) Act, in and around the city of Belfast, promised by the Irish Government; and, if not, what does the Government intend to do with the land f already taken for the purpose of building these houses?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThis question appeared on the Paper for the first time in yesterday's Votes, and I am not yet in a position to reply to it. I must ask the hon. Member to give longer notice. I might say that generally with regard to questions as to which I have to communicate with Ireland.
§ Mr. MOLESHas not this question been hanging over for at least six months, and have there not been seven or eight questions put in reference to it?
§ Captain C. CRAIGHas it not been for years the invariable custom to put down questions the day but one before they are answered, and is it not the fact that the Chief Secretary for Ireland never refused to answer a question on the ground of shortness of notice?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is not refused through any special malevolence on my part, but simply because I have not been able to get the information. The Chief Secretary's Department was a Department of the British Government, but I have now to address another Government with other Departments on all these matters.
§ Mr. DEVLINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Gentleman who put the question is himself a Member of the Ulster Parliament—one of the chief pillars of that institution—and yet comes here and takes up our time?
§ Mr. McCONNELLThat is not true.