§ MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can now state the intentions of the Government as to the suspension of licences in Ireland, i.e., whether by the Government Licensing Bill or by a separate measure?
§ MR. A.J. BALFOURI have consulted with my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board as to whether the suspension of licences in Ireland should be carried out by the Government Bill or by a separate measure; and we have come to the conclusion that it would be very difficult to deal with it by Amendments which proceed by reference to the English clauses, and it would be more convenient to deal with that part of the question, so far as it relates to Ireland, by a separate measure.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYDo the Government intend to introduce a separate measure?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think the hon. and learned Gentleman has a measure which has passed the Second Reading, and which might fittingly form the basis of a method of dealing with the question.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYIf I endeavour to make progress with the Bill, will the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements with his supporters not to block it?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe most convenient course would be that, as the Bill of the hon. and learned Member deals with part of the general question, it should proceed pari passu with that of the Government.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYIf I endeavour to put it down to-night for an early day, will the right hon. Gentleman assist me to make progress? As the Government have got one clause of their Bill, will they allow me to take one clause of my Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI shall be glad to help the hon. Member as far as I can.