HC Deb 03 August 1939 vol 350 cc2610-1
44. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the condemnation by the Government of Eire of bomb outrages in this country, he has sought, or will seek, mutual action between that Government and the British Government in order the more effectually to secure the prevention of these crimes of violence?

Sir S. Hoare

The hon. Member may be assured that the Government are fully alive to the need for taking every practicable step with the object of securing the prevention of these outrages.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it would be a courtesy and some encouragement to the better elements in Eire if we actively co-operated with the Government of Eire?

Sir S. Hoare

We are most anxious to have as much co-operation as possible.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether in fact there has been any real contact with the Government of Eire?

Sir S. Hoare

I have given an answer, and I prefer not to add anything to it.

Mr. Macquisten

Does not my right hon. Friend know that the purpose of the I.R.A. is to get hold of Ulster and suppress it?

46. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Home Secretary what evidence he has, whether positive or circumstantial, of the sources from which the finances of the perpetrators of bomb outrages in this country are derived, in whole or in part?

51. Captain Ramsay

asked the Home Secretary whether the recent inquiries into the activities of the Irish Republican Army have revealed any traces of complicity or support on the part of any foreign Government or organisation?

Sir S. Hoare

I cannot add anything to the statement which I made on this point in the Debate on Second Reading of the Prevention of Violence (Temporary Provisions) Bill.

Captain Ramsay

Is my right hon. Friend aware that included in the present I.R.A. are leading officials of the Irish Communist party and the Left Book Club, and if I send him the names and addresses of a couple of dozen of them, will he have them looked up?

Mr. Gallacher

On a point of Order. Is it in order for a Member of this House to make such deliberate, calculated, slanderous statements about any member of a bona fide political party? If the term "liar" were not out of order, I would use it here at this moment.

Captain Ramsay

If I send my hon. Friend the names and addresses of a couple of dozen of these people, will he have them checked?

Sir S. Hoare

I am always ready to receive information from any hon. Member. As far as this question is concerned, however, I cannot add anything to the answer that I have just given.

Mr. Sorensen

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in fact any Continental money has been proved to be behind any of these outrages?

Sir S. Hoare

I have said twice that it would not be in the public interest to add anything to what I have said already.

Mr. Macquisten

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) is a good judge of liars?