Mr. Speaker. Order, order. That reply obviously does not arise from the question.
Mr. Asquith. I wish to ask the right honourable gentleman if he is prepared to make a statement on oath. Nothing else will convince the country, as it knows by experience that Ministers are steeped in falsehood.
Mr. Law. That is an allegation against the honour of Ministers. (Mr. Churchill, "They have none.") If the Leader of the Opposition desires to attempt to substantiate these charges I will give him a day—or a week, if he wants it.
Mr. Swift MacNeill. Afraid of five years for perjury. Blackguards!
Mr. Amery (President of the Local Government Board). Mr. Speaker, should I be in order if I appealed to you to ask Members on the other side to maintain the honourable traditions of this House?
Mr. John Ward. All they care for is the £5,000 a year.
Mr. Speaker. Order, order! I must ask honourable members not to turn Question time into a debate.
Mr. Churchill. I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether the guns of the first cruiser squadron are not at this moment trained on Limerick, and to ask him if ample time will be given for women and children to escape before the massacre begins?
Mr. Bonar Law. The first cruiser squadron is not at Limerick. (Loud shouts of "Liar!") That disposes of the second part of the question also. (Cries of "No!" "Shame!" "Child-murderer!")
Lord Winterton (Junior Lord of the Treasury). Mr. Speaker, may I draw your attention to the fact that several Members of the Opposition shout "Liar" at the Prime Minister whenever he rises to his feet?