§ MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHYMr. Speaker, I ask the indulgence of the House while, in a very few words, I announce a Resolution to which my Colleagues and myself, acting with them, have come as to future proceedings in Committee on this Bill. I cannot do better than read to the House the Resolution, and leave the matter there. The Irish Members who act with me have resolved—
That, inasmuch as the Irish Parliamentary Party have been expelled from the House of Commons under the threat of physical force during the consideration of a measure affecting the vital rights and liberties of Ireland, and as the Government, during the enforced absence of Irish Members from the House, have passed material portions of that measure through Committee, thus depriving the Representatives of the Irish people of the right to discuss and vote upon coercive proposals for Ireland, we, therefore, hereby resolve to take no further part in the proceedings of the Committee on the Coercion Bill, and we cast upon the Government the sole responsibility for the Bill, which has been urged through the House of Commons by force, violence, and subterfuge" [Cries of "Order!" and "Withdraw!"] "and which, when passed"—
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is importing a matter of debate and controversy into the statement he is now making.
§ MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHY
And which, when passed into law, will be devoid of moral force, and will not be a Constitutional Act of Parliament.
§ MR. SPEAKERThe Clerk will now proceed to read the Orders of the Day.