§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH (Bristol, W.)I am anxious to ask the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury a Question with reference to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday. The Chancellor of the Exchequer informed the House that it was the intention of the right hon. Gentleman on the 8th of April to make a statement with respect to his Irish policy. I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can tell the House in what form that statement will 37 be made; whether in such a form as to admit of the subject being fully discussed, and, if necessary, of an issue being taken upon it? I shall be happy to ask the Question on Monday if the right hon. Gentleman requires Notice.
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE) (Edinburgh, Mid Lothian)Most certainly, Sir, I have no difficulty in answering, in particular, the last part of the Question. The statement will be made in such a form as will admit of debate, or of any course which hon. Members may think fit to take. It will place the subject completely under the command of the House. The purport of it will be to procure the opportunity for the introduction of a Bill for the future government of Ireland. I will consider the particular form of the Motion, and lay its terms upon the Table either on Monday or Tuesday.