HC Deb 29 May 1922 vol 154 cc1671-3
26. Lieut.-Colonel Sir S. HOARE

asked the Prime Minister whether the General Election shortly to be held in Ireland will be held in accordance with the understanding that the constitution of the Treaty will be submitted by the Provisional Government to the Irish people; if so, whether His Majesty's Government has approved the draft of the Irish Constitution; and when, and in what way, will the terms of the Constitution be made public?

27. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the agreement which has been entered into between Mr. Griffith and Mr. Collins, as representing the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland, on the one hand and Mr. De Valera on the other for an agreed election in Southern Ireland with agreed candidates, any provision has been made whereby approved candidates shall have expressed their agreement with the terms of the Treaty entered into with the British Government and subsequently ratified by Parliament; and whether all such candidates will be required to take the oath provided for in the said Treaty before they take their seats?

32. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the method by which the status of a Dominion was conferred by the Imperial Parliament on Canada, Australia, and South Africa, he will say if the Constitution of the Irish Free State giving the Free State the same constitutional status as the Dominion of Canada has been submitted to the Government; if so, whether, in addition, what is known as Document No. 2, which is an alternative Constitution for Ireland and which places Ireland in the same position as the Republic of Cuba, has also been submitted and when will this House be placed in possession of these two documents?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Churchill)

I had hoped to be able to make a general statement on the Irish situation at the close of Questions to-day, but in view of the position of the discussions which are now proceeding with the Irish representatives, it will be in the public interest to defer this statement till to-morrow or Wednesday. It is possible, and even probable that the discussions will not have concluded by to morrow, but in view of the gravity and urgency of the issues already disclosed, Parliament is entitled to the fullest information available in order that the House may, if it pleases, debate the subject before the Whitsuntide Adjournment.

Sir S. HOARE

If the statement is not made to-morrow, and the House adjourns to-morrow, how will the House have an opportunity of debating the question?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I will answer that: I do not propose to attempt to adjourn to-morrow. We will take the Motion for Adjournment on Wednesday. I will probably be asked about Business at the close of Questions, and I will make a statement then.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will the right hon. Gentleman, at any rate, assure the House that, so far as the British Government is concerned, they will insist that all the Members returned to the new Irish Parliament shall take the oath of allegiance prescribed in the Treaty? Can we have that assurance?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think I had much better make my statement as I have said.

Sir W. DAVISON

Surely that is a simple question. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!" and "No, no!"] Cannot we have an answer whether the British Government intend to stick to the Treaty or not?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I should have no difficulty in answering the question of my hon. and gallant Friend, but I think it much better that I should make my statement later.

Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY

On a point of Order. After the statement of the right hon. Gentleman, can we have any assurance from you, Sir, that if a large number of Members wish to raise the question on the Adjournment it shall have priority to other questions?

Mr. SPEAKER

I take a serious view of the question, and will give it a foremost place.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Has not the first place in the discussion upon the Adjournment been already pledged for the Reparation question and our relations with France?

Mr. SPEAKER

I shall have to consider that. I cannot say at the moment.