§ 14. Viscount CURZONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps the Government propose to take to put Article 12 of the Irish Treaty into operation?
§ 13. Sir THOMAS INSKIPasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the necessary steps to be taken by the Government to give effect to the letter and spirit of Article 12 of the agreement 9 for a Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland; and when it is proposed to take such steps?
Mr. THOMASThe Irish Free State Government having requested His Majesty's Government to constitute the Boundary Commission and having appointed Mr. John McNeill as their Commissioner, His Majesty's Government have requested the Governor of Northern Ireland to make a similar appointment. Steps are being taken to appoint a qualified person as Chairman.
§ Colonel ASHLEYHas the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge of any informal negotiations between the Government of Northern Ireland and the Government of the Free State in order to settle this very difficult question? Is there any hope that negotiations are going on?
§ Viscount CURZONHas any reply, so far, been forthcoming from the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland?
§ Colonel GRETTONHave His Majesty's Government taken any steps to define the limits of inquiry in the arbitration proposed?
§ Sir W. DAVISONDo the Government adhere to what has been laid down by the three previous Governments, that under no circumstances territory can be taken from Ulster without Ulster's consent?
Mr. THOMASHis Majesty's Government have announced that they will give effect to Article 12 of the Treaty. I have nothing to add to that.
§ Viscount CURZONDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree to the interpretation of this Clause in the Treaty, as set forth by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George), when the Treaty was going through the House of Commons?