§ 36. Mr. ERSKINEasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a statement made by Mr. Michael Collins at Cork on the 12th March, 1922, as reported in the Press of 13th March, 1922, to the effect that he and his colleagues had made Ireland too uncomfortable for the British, that there were too many ambushed positions in Ireland, and that there ware too many gloomy street corners in Cork and Dublin; and whether, in view of the fact that this statement is adverse both in the letter and the spirit to the undertaking given by him and his co-signatories to the Treaty, he will refrain from placing any confidence in this gentleman in future?
§ Major BARNSTONYes, Sir, I have seen the statement quoted by the hon. Member, which clearly refers to the period prior to 11th July last. I do not, therefore, understand the suggestion in the latter part of the hon. Member's question.