HC Deb 26 July 1923 vol 167 cc704-5
50. Sir EDWIN STOCKTON

asked the Prime Minister if he can now make a statement as to the position of the controversy with regard to the delimitation of the boundary between Northern and Southern Ireland; and what is the posi- tion occupied by the British Government in the face of the refusal by Ulster to co-operate in delimitation?

57. Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the Free State Government has requested His Majesty's Government to set up the Boundary Commission under Article 12 of the Treaty, and has appointed a representative on this Commission, and that the Government of Northern Ireland has refused to participate in this Commission, he will say whether, in the absence of a representative from the Government of Northern Ireland, the Commission can function; and, if not, what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to implement the pledges given to the Free State Government?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

This matter has been the subject of despatches between the Governor-General of the Irish Free State and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and these despatches will be laid on the Table of the House this week.

Mr. MOSLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that both the Free State and His Majesty's Government are prepared to appoint representatives and that the Government of Northern Ireland has refused?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I would suggest to the hon. Gentleman that he should wait till he reads the despatches.

Captain BENN

Can the Home Secretary say whether the Government intend to set up a Commission according to the Treaty?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

No, Sir. I cannot answer further questions until the House has had an opportunity of reading the despatches.

Mr. PRINGLE

Could not the right hon. Gentleman give a coherent account in two sentences?

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