52. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Prime Minister what steps the Government intend taking to carry out the pledges given by Ministers of the Crown between 1920 and 1923 with regard to the completion of Irish land purchase; and whether the British Government were consulted as to the terms of the land measure which was passed by the Free State Government to deal with this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot accept the implication contained in the first part of the question. His Majesty's Government were, of course, aware of the terms of the legislation in question before it was passed, and the position of His Majesty's Government in this matter was explained in the course of the proceedings in the House in connection with the Irish Free State Land Purchase (Loan Guarantee) Bill of 1924.
Sir F. HALLAs the Prime Minister says he cannot accept the suggestion in the first part of the question, may I ask whether it is not a fact that, when Home Rule was granted, the Government undertook to bring in a Bill to deal with Irish land purchase, and whether they intend to do that or not?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no recollection of that.
Sir F. HALLThen will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to look into it, seeing it is suggested that what I stated in the first part of the question is not right?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is going a long way. My hon. and gallant Friend will recognise that this is a subject far better dealt with in Debate than by question and answer, because the allegation made by my hon. and gallant Friend requires a little qualification.