asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if any representations or requests for the release of Mr. Art O'Brien and Mr. Sean M`Grath have been made to any Departments or any Ministers of the British Government by the Government of the Irish Free State or by any Ministers or responsible person connected with that Government; and, if so, will he make a full statement to the House as to the negotiations which have taken place?

Mr. THOMAS:

The answer to the first part is in the negative and the second part therefore does not arise.

Did the Government never consult the Free State as to the persons referred to in this question, and if not, on what principle did they change their mind in a fortnight?

Mr. THOMAS:

My right hon. Friend is aware that this is a matter entirely for the Home Secretary, and questions as to the grounds upon which the release took place should be addressed to him.

Am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the Free State Government were not consulted?

Mr. THOMAS:

The right hon. Gentleman is certainly not to understand that. The Supplementary question put to me was: did negotiations take place with the Free State Government. My answer is that the circumstances in relation to the release of these persons was in the jurisdiction of the Home Office and not of my office.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that the release of these two persons was effected without any consultation with him, and behind his back by the Home Secretary?

Mr. THOMAS:

The release of these people was a decision of the Cabinet.

Did the Home Secretary consult the right hon. Gentleman as responsible Minister here?

Mr. THOMAS:

I am a Member of the Cabinet.

May I ask—[Interruption]—it is all very well for you, but I am an Irishman. Were the Free State Government consulted officially as to the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to Northern Ireland?