72. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Irish Free State Government has carried out the guarantees agreed upon with regard to the Irish Loyalists in connection with the Irish Peace Treaty or whether, as the result of post-Treaty legislation, those guarantees have been largely nullified; and if he will state what action is proposed to be taken to secure the fulfilment of the pledges given by the Free State?
§ Mr. BUCHANANOn a point of Order. May I ask your ruling, Mr. Speaker, as to whether this question is in order, in view of the fact that it casts reflection on the Irish Free State by suggesting that they are not fulfilling their pledges? Is it in order for a Member of this House to cast reflections on a friendly State?
Sir F. HALLMay I submit to you, Sir, that the question simply asks for information in view of the circumstance, which is perfectly well known, that the Treaty is not being carried out properly?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI gather that this question arises from some undertakings given to the House by the last Government.
§ Mr. BUCHANANMay I direct your attention, Sir, to the last part of the 980 question, which accuses the Irish Free State of non-fulfilment of their pledges? In view of past rulings on questions affecting outside Colonies and Dominions, that statements which cast reflections on other Governments should not be submitted in the form of questions, is this question not out of order?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI did not myself read into the question the implication suggested by the hon. Member, but I see the point of his suggestion. Perhaps the question might have been better worded. I take the blame on myself for not having amended the words.
Mr. THOMASI am not aware of any guarantees entered into by the Irish Free State Government which have not been implemented by them; but if the hon. and gallant Member has any specific cases in mind, and will ask a question regarding any such case or cases, I will endeavour to give him a specific reply.