§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the new Order in Council with reference to the running of special trains in Ireland has been issued; whether a single Irish railway company made representations to the Irish Government or to the military authorities that such an Order in Council was necessary because of the shortage of coal or of railway hands; if not, upon what grounds was the Order sought for, and by what particular Irish Department; is he aware that the enforcement of this Order will mean denial to the youth of Ireland to carry on their national games and pastimes; and, in view of the discontent caused by this Order, will it be withdrawn and the inter-provincial and inter-county Gaelic contests be allowed as heretofore?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Order in Council was made because, in view of the increasing shortage of freight for necessary purposes, it seemed reasonable to extend to pleasure traffic in Ireland restrictions which have been in force in Great Britain since the early months of the War. I see no reason why the operations of the Order should in any way hinder games and pastimes. There can be no question under present circumstances of the withdrawal of the Order.