HC Deb 22 March 1922 vol 152 cc496-7W
Sir F. HALL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Dail Eireann has passed a resolution to provide for the utilisation for the exclusive benefit of Sinn Feiners of properties handed over to the Free State by the Government in connection with the evacuation of Southern Ireland; and what are the terms of such resolution?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I understand from the Press that a resolution in the following terms was passed by Dail Eireann on the 1st instantThat it be an instruction to the Cabinet to consider at once whether all lands which were in occupation of enemy forces in Ireland and which have now been evacuated except those which may be retained as necessary training grounds for the Irish Republican Army may not be divided up in economic holdings and distributed amongst landless men, preference being given to those men or dependants of those men who have been active members of the Irish Republican Army prior to the Truce in July, 1921, and that immediate action should be taken in all possible cases. I understand also from the Press, that Mr. Collins stated in reply that it would not be possible to take any action on the resolution.