HC Deb 23 November 1925 vol 188 cc910-1
63. Mr. HARMSWORTH

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, before any action is taken upon the forthcoming Report of the Irish Boundary Commission, this House will be given an opportunity of discussing it?

Mr. AMERY

In view of the situation created by the resignation from the Boundary Commission of the representative of the Irish Free State it is not possible for me to say at the present stage what course will be adopted.

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Does the resignation of a member from the Boundary Commission render any report it may give inoperative except in an advisory capacity?

Mr. SPEAKER

There is another question at the end on the same subject.

Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister whether he had any communication to make to the House on the present situation of affairs with reference to the Irish Boundary and Boundary Commission?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have nothing to say, except that I have learned in the last 10 minutes that the Boundary Commission themselves intend to issue a statement forthwith. I will keep in touch with the right hon. Gentleman as to that.

Mr. HARMSWORTH

May I have an answer to the question I asked earlier in the afternoon, whether in this case of the resignation from the Boundary Commission, the Report that is forthcoming becomes inoperative because of the resignation of a Commissioner, and can only be held to be of an advisory capacity?

The PRIME MINISTER

I cannot make any statement on that subject at present.