HC Deb 06 May 1908 vol 188 cc261-2
MR. PIKE PEASE

I beg to ask the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the official announcement that the Government is in favour of Home Rule for Scotland; and, if so, whether this measure will be modelled on that introduced for Ireland by Mr. Gladstone in 1893.

MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)

Does the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that this House, under the last Liberal Government, passed a Resolution declaring the desirability of Home Rule for Scotland; and is he aware that at the present time the principle of Home Rule is advocated by large sections of this House entirely on the basis of a scheme of devolution applicable to all parts of the United Kingdom?

Mr. ASQUITH

I believe that is so. In regard to the Question of the hon. Member for Darlington, I am not aware of any such announcement.

MR. WATT

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that under the present system Scotland gets a fair share of the time of this House?

MR. YOUNGER (Ayr Burghs)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that comparatively few Scotsmen believe that any weakening of the political connection with England could possibly benefit their country?

*MR. SPEAKER

This is not a debate on Home Rule for Scotland.

MR. PIKE PEASE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the President of the Board of Trade, in a speech at Dundee, said he was in favour of Home Rule for Scotland, and that he thought that Scotland should not be behind Ireland in the matter, and does he know that the right hon. Gentleman also promised Home Rule for Ireland at the Manchester election?

MR. ASQUITH

I do not see how that Question arises. The Question is whether my attention has been called to an official announcement that the Government are in favour of Home Rule for Scotland. I know of no such announcement.

EARL WINTERTON

Another broken promise.

*LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorley)

Does the right hon. Gentleman repudiate the promise which was given?

MR. ASQUITH

My right hon. friend is perfectly within his rights in stating his opinion on this matter. If the noble lord wishes to know my opinion—

*LORD BALCARRES

No; the opinion of the Government.

MR. ASQUITH

Then I refer him to my speech in the debate on the Resolution of the hon. Member for Waterford.