§ LORD PONSONBY OF SHULBREDEMy Lords, may I ask the Lord Privy Seal whether he has any statement to make to your Lordships with regard to the conferences that have recently taken place between representatives of His Majesty's Government and of the Irish Free State?
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (VISCOUNT SNOWDEN)My Lords, I understand that the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs has made a statement in another place this afternoon, and perhaps it will meet the noble Lord's inquiry if I read that statement to your Lordships. It is as follows:
"I have nothing to add to the official commniqué issued last Friday, except that I understand that it is likely that a further communication will be received from the President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State after he has had an opportunity of discussion with his colleagues."
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I suppose the noble Viscount is not able to tell us when he is likely to receive this further communication?
§ VISCOUNT SNOWDENI am afraid I cannot add anything to the statement that I have just read. It was only handed to me just as I came into the House and it is the only information that I have on the subject.