HL Deb 17 May 1949 vol 162 c722
LORD VANSITTART

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether due note has been taken of the abusive, and even threatening, language recently used by Mr. Costello towards this country.]

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (VISCOUNT ADDISON)

My Lords, I assume that the noble Lord refers to a speech made by the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic on May 10. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister stated on May 11 in another place that he had noted the speech made on the previous day in the Dail.

LORD VANSITTART

My Lords, is this not another instance of the discourtesy meted out to this country and its representatives, against which I have already protested in this House? Why should we be talked to like that by anybody about anything?

VISCOUNT ADDISON

I can only say in reply that in our opinion no useful purpose is served by entering into recriminations.