HC Deb 16 March 1896 vol 38 cc1019-20
MR. T. M. HEALY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, if the Land Bill will be introduced before Easter; and, if so, when it may be expected?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am still in the position of not being able to answer the hon. Gentleman, but I may say that this is a question that should be addressed to the First Lord of the Treasury and not to me.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Has the right hon. Gentleman, no control for Ireland over the time of this House?

MR. W. REDMOND (Clare, E.)

In view of the great anxiety felt about this Bill and the inconvenience caused to Irish Members, I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he could state now about what time it will be introduced?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

As soon as I am in a position to make an announcement I will not delay in making it.

MR. KNOX (Londonderry)

If the right hon. Gentleman were to introduce the Bill without any preliminary statement, should we have the Bill immediately; or is it that the Bill is not yet ready?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

If I have a general representation from hon. Gentlemen opposite that they would like to have this Bill without any preliminary statement, I would be glad to let them have it. [Cries of "No, no!"]

MR. JOHN DILLON (Mayo, E.)

I do not think it would be at all desirable to have the Bill introduced without a preliminary statement. ["Hear, hear!"]