§ 9. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Secretary of State, for Dominion Affairs what communications he has recently received from the Irish Free State Government on the subject of Privy Council appeals; and whether any amendment of the Irish Treaty on this matter is contemplated?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)As the right hon. member will be aware, the question of appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council was raised by the representatives of the Irish Free State at the Imperial Conference of 1930, but no recommendation was made by the conference, and the position remained as it was left after the Imperial Conference of 1926. No official communication on the subject has been received from His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State since the termination of the conference.
§ Sir K. WOODI take it that, if there are any developments in this matter, the right hon. Gentleman will communicate them to the House?
§ Mr. THOMASIf there are any developments, they will be considered, but before any agreement can be reached, obviously the matter is one for the House of Commons.
§ Mr. ROSSWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is a precious safeguard much prized by ex-Unionists in Ireland?
§ Mr. THOMASI am well aware of that fact, and of the representation on the subject.
§ Mr. THOMASCanada has nothing to do with this question.