(Portlairge) asked the Minister of Defence whether he has seen the following statements appearing in Dublin newspapers to-day, and what amount of truth, if any, is contained in the parts underlined?

Sir W. Davison: What means have the Provisional Government for protecting those stores?

Mr. Churchill: That is unworthy. The so-called I.R.A. is under the orders, and obeys the orders, of the Provisional Government.

Sir J. Butcher: Some of it.

Mr. Churchill: In almost every county in Ireland they are strictly obeying the orders of that Government. The Minister of Defence of Dáil Éireann is also Minister of Defence in the Provisional Government, and it is through him that authority is exercised upon this army.

That question was answered yesterday.