I desire to ask the Minister for Finance whether his attention has been called to a passage in a speech delivered to the members of the British House of Commons to-day in which the following words occur:—"Measures will be laid before you to guarantee the principal and interest of bonds issued by the Government of the Irish Free State under the Land Act recently passed in that Dominion," and whether he clear make any explanation as to what that means?
PRIVATE NOTICE QUESTION. - REFERENCE TO IRISH LAND ACT IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT.
I Have asked the Minister for Agriculture to answer this question, as the arrangements were made before I became Minister for Finance, and the Minister for Agriculture was more intimately associated with it.
I have an extract from the speech, which I will read. "Measures will be laid before you to complete land purchase."
Who made the speech?
It was delivered from the Throne in the English House of Commons.
Mr. HOGAN
It is the King's speech in the English House of Commons which the Deputy refers to.
Mr. BYRNE
We should have plain language, and let it be said it is the King's speech.
Deputy Johnson stated that.
Mr. HOGAN
I am not clear whether the Deputy is lecturing me or Deputy Johnson.
Mr. BYRNE
When, a question is asked we should know what it has reference to.
Mr. HOGAN
The position in regard to this is, I understand, that during the discussions on the Treaty before the Treaty was signed the English Government of that day stated they were willing to acknowledge obligations in helping to complete land purchase if the Irish Government wished to accept any assistance. Since then the English Government has on various occasions, both before and after the Land Act passed, offered to guarantee the bonds, and within the last month that offer has been accepted. That, I take it, is the meaning of that.
I beg to give notice that I shall draw attention to this matter on the adjournment with a view to getting a little further information.
Mr. HOGAN
I may say, at this stage, that nothing further has been done than I have just stated. The offer has been made and accepted.