HC Deb 06 May 1907 vol 173 cc1361-2
MR. BARRIE (Londonderry, N.)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of the Central Council (Ireland) Bill, he will arrange to allow three days for the debate on the First Reading.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

No, Sir, I think such an allowance would be quite excessive and unnecessary. I can find no precedent for such a course. The Local Government (County Councils) Act, 1888, had one day for First Reading; The Local Government (Parish Councils) Act, 1894, one day; The Irish Local Government (County Councils) Act, 1898, one day; The Education Act, 1902, one day; The Education Bill, 1906, one day; and one day, I think, will be quite sufficient in the present case.

* CAPTAIN CRAIG

Is it not the fact that four days were given to the First Reading of the last Home Rule Bill?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

That is quite possible.