§ MR. W. REDMONDI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the strong expression of opinion of the Australian Governments in favour of conferring Home Rule on Western Australia, the Government intend to proceed this year if possible with the Bill dealing with the constitution of Western Australia?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHThe Government propose to ask the House to affirm the principle of giving responsible Government to Western Australia by reading the Bill a second time. But, having regard to the details of the measure and the necessity for examination, they propose not to proceed further 76 with the Bill this Session. If necessary they propose to inquire into the subject early next Session.
§ MR. W. REDMONDHave not strong representations been received from several of the Australian Governments in favour of the passage of the Bill?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHThere can be no doubt that such representations have been made. It is fair, however, to say that a strong opinion has been expressed in this country as to the details of the measure, and the Government do not think it right, in these circumstances, to force the Measure through at this period of the Session, and, therefore, they will allow time for further consideration.
§ MR. W. A. MCARTHUR (Cornwall, Mid, St. Austell)May I ask whether, having regard to the almost unanimous opinion in favour of this Measure, the right hon. Gentleman can give the Colonies an assurance that the Bill will be brought in early next Session, and that the Government will make a serious attempt to carry it?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHI think the hon. Member will see that it would be very unwise for me to make any serious engagement as to next Session. The Government desire to give effect to the principle of the Bill at the earliest possible moment.
§ MR. CHILDERS (Edinburgh, S.)Will the Government consider the propriety of appointing a Special Commissioner to proceed to Western Australia with the object of making inquiries on the spot, because the question is to a very large extent a local one?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHA suggestion of that kind is so important and so grave that I am unable to return an immediate answer to it. It will, however, receive the consideration of the Government.
§ MR. W. REDMONDAre we to understand that the Government will not in the face of the representations from the Australian Governments introduce their Bill early next year?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHNo, Sir; that would be an entirely inaccurate representation of the answer I have given.