§ MR. JOHN REDMONDdesired to ask the First Lord of the Treasury a Question of which he had given him private notice—whether, in the event of his Motion giving precedence to the Procedure Debate being carried, he would give an undertaking to exempt to-morrow (Wednesday) from its operation, so as to enable the Irish Evicted Tenants Bill to be discussed.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI am very reluctant to interfere with private Members' Bills on Wednesday; but the hon. Member will recognise that the Government are in a difficult position, and it was at the request of an Irish Member that this Debate was deferred from last Thursday till Monday. If it be at all possible, 1091 consistently with a proper dealing with the time of the House, I shall be very glad to devote Wednesday to the Bill which the hon. Member mentions. But it must depend upon the progress we make with the Resolution about the business of the House, and with the Sessional Order which we are engaged in debating. If progress, rapid and conspicuous, is made, there will be no reason why Wednesday should be taken by the Government.
§ MR. J. REDMONDI do not gather that the right hon. Gentleman will take to-morrow if the Debate is not finished to-night?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYIf I have some security that the whole question will be disposed of by Thursday, then the Government would leave to-morrow for the discussion of the hon. Member's Bill, but without that security it would be absurd for the Government not to continue the Debate de die in diem.
§ MR. J. REDMONDThe right hon. Gentleman must know that I have no power to make such an arrangement or to give such a pledge. Is he not aware that this Bill is of very grave importance; that great interests are concerned; and that the discussion of it is looked for with great anxiety in Ireland? Under these circumstances, could he not see his way to allow this Bill to be taken on Wednesday? And does he not think that the progress of business, instead of being impeded, will probably be expedited by such consideration being shown to Irish Members?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI am anxious to show consideration to Gentlemen in all parts of the House, and I am aware that it would be unfair to ask the hon. Member himself to give any pledge as to the termination of the Debate on Thursday. But there are recognised methods of conveying this assurance; and if any such arrangement could be made, I should be very glad to see Wednesday given to the discussion of this important question.