24. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Ulster and of the Irish Free State will be consulted as to the terms of reference to, and the constitution of, the Boundary Commission to be set up in pursuance of the terms of the provisional Treaty with Southern Ireland; whether the findings of the Commission will be legally binding, even if they involve the transfer to the Free State of substantial areas of Ulster as delimited under the Irish Government Act of 1920; and when it is proposed to set up the Commission?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn reply to the first part of the question, the provisions of Article 12 of the Schedule to the Irish Free State (Agreement) Bill lay down the terms of reference and the constitution of the Commission, and as regards its constitution I would further refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Debate of the 3rd instant, on an Amendment to the Bill moved by the Noble Lord the Member for Oxford University. In reply to the second part, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the same provisions, which appear to me to be 210 free from ambiguity on this subject. The third part does not arise, unless and until an address is presented to His Majesty as provided in Article 12.
Sir F. HALLCan the right hon. Gentleman say plainly whether a Commission is going to be set up or not? The right hon. Gentleman has only referred to something that does not give a reply to my question.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not understand.