HC Deb 19 March 1885 vol 295 cc1695-6
MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

asked the President of the Local Government Board, If the Seats Bill contains adequate provision for the representation of the two million of the Irish minority in England; if not, whether he will consent to such modification of the boundaries in the centres containing a large Irish population as will give this adequate representation?

MR. BRODRICK

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this Question I will ask whether such a Bill would contain adequate provision for the representation of the 1,500,000 Protestants in Ireland, and, if not, whether the right hon. Gentleman would consent to such a rectification of boundaries as would secure such provision?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

I can hardly reply to the last Question except by saying that I cannot enter into argumentative matter. With regard to the Question which has been put upon the Paper, I have to say that the provisions for the indirect representation of minorities by means of the single-Member district system are the same in the three principal parts of the United Kingdom.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

afterwards asked whether, under the Bill, as it at present stood, there was any prospect of the Irish minority in England and Scotland being represented by 28 out of the 570 Members which would be the same proportion for them as the Loyal minority in Ireland?

MR. GIBSON

I would like to know whether there is any prospect of the Loyal minority in Ireland being represented by 33, which would be their proper number?

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

Twenty-three.

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

These Questions raise matters of argument. It would be impossible for me to say how the Loyal minority in Ireland or the Irish minority in England and Scotland will be represented; but I believe that those best acquainted with the local circumstances of various towns in England say that some representation will be secured by the Irish minority, but I cannot say what.