HC Deb 12 May 1936 vol 312 c181
4. Lieut. - Commander FLETCHER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he now contemplates setting on foot negotiations for the settlement, of all outstanding differences between this country and the Irish Free State?

Mr. H. MacDONALD

I am keeping in mind the desirability of a settlement of outstanding differences between this country and the Irish Free State, but am not in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member on 25th February.

Mr. LUNN

The right hon. Gentleman has been giving this answer ever since he became Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs. Is he not now taking some steps to try to secure an agreement between this country and the Irish Free State on all outstanding differences?

Mr. MacDONALD

The answer which I have given on two occasions expresses my recognition of the desirability of a settlement of these differences, but I cannot add further to the rest of the answer I have given.

Mr. ATTLEE

Can anything happen if this is merely going on in the right hon. Gentleman's mind? Is he not going to do something?