asked the President if he has any statement to make to the Dáil regarding the announcement of the British Premier yesterday that certain matters relating to the Anglo-Irish Treaty are to be referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - BRITISH PREMIER'S ANNOUNCEMENT ON TREATY.
The British Government is, I understand, seeking advice from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as to the steps which they must take to fulfil their obligations under Article 12 of the Treaty in the circumstances that have arisen. The questions which have been submitted for advice appear to arise solely out of the relations between the British Legislature and its subordinate Parliament. The desire of the British Government to obtain such advice is a matter solely concerning them, and does not appear to call for any statement from me. So far as we are concerned, we have made it perfectly clear that we are not parties to the request for advice.
I do not know whether this may be taken as arising out of the question, but perhaps you would allow it—would the President cause the circulation of the correspondence relative to this matter.
Relative to which matter?
Relative to the whole subject that has been covered in this question; that is, dealing with the Boundary Conference and the action that the British Government propose to take in regard to it?
I understood that the correspondence was to have been circulated to-day. I forgot to look into it this morning, but I take it that within half an hour Deputies will have the information in their hands.
Might I ask if the President or his Government have made any remonstrance to the British Government on account of the delay which will be involved by the kind of procedure which has been resorted to in trying to find out what powers they possess under this Treaty? I think it is important that we should know whether or not this Government have assented to it?
It scarcely arises out of this question, but if the Deputy wishes to raise it next week I shall afford him an opportunity for doing so.
I will take that opportunity.