§ 24. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the impartial Liaison Commissions, including British officers, proposed by him on 14th February last, which received the prompt and unqualified acceptance of the Northern Government, and with which Mr. Collins fully agreed, have been set up, and have operated satisfactorily on both sides of the boundary between Northern and Southern Ireland; and, if not, will he state the reasons?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second 642 and third parts, I regret to state that, owing to the intense bitterness of feeling which still prevails on the Border, the results which have attended the labours of these Commissions have not yet been satisfactory. I am at present in communication with the Provisional and Northern Governments on the subject.
§ Mr. MARRIOTTCan my right hon. Friend inform the House whether it is the case that those on the Northern side of the boundary are showing exemplary patience and self-restraint in the face of almost continuous provocation from the other side?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre there no British officers on this frontier who can be relied on to give impartial accounts in view of the conflict of the evidence?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThat is exactly what has been done. British officers were sent to the border and this question deals with them.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHave any reports come in from them, and cannot they be given to the House?
§ Mr. MARRIOTTThe right hon. Gentleman has ignored my question.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI certainly have not done so intentionally. The hon. Gentleman has asked me a question involving matters of fact and of opinion, and I must ask for notice of that.
Mr. J. JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of granting an amnesty to political prisoners in England—Irishmen and Irishwomen?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise here.