35. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to pass into law before the Autumn Recess the necessary Bill for the ratification of the constitution of the Irish Free State together with the measures ancillary to it, and which have been promised, namely, an Indemnity Bill, a Bill to complete Land Purchase, and a Bill for the resettlement of ex-service men in Ireland?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs regards Lead Purchase, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my light hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to a question on this subject addressed to him by the hon. Member for St. Rollox on the 10th instant. All matters relating to the resettlement of ex-service men were by Article 9 of the Provisional Government (Transfer of Functions) Order, 1922, expressly excepted from transfer to the Provisional Government, and I am not aware of any necessity for further legislation on the subject. With regard to the first part of the question I will, with the permission of the House, make a further short statement at the close of questions on the Irish situation.
Colonel NEWMANCan the right hon. Gentleman say anything in reference to the Indemnity Bill?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI hope that it will be pressed forward.