CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to proceed with the Irish Council Bill; if so, will he state the dates on which it is intended to take the Second Reading; and whether he will grant at least a clear week for the Second Reading.
THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Sir H. CAMP- BELL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling BurghsThis is the first of several Questions relating to various Government Bills, and I would ask that all of these should be put off for a week, when I can answer them all together.
§ MR. WALTER LONG (Dublin, S.)Cannot the Prime Minister give an answer, at all events in regard to the Irish Council Bill, within a shorter period than a week? There is very great public interest taken in the matter.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI think it is more convenient to answer all together. It is an invidious thing to pick and choose.
§ The following Questions were covered by the foregoing Answer:—
§ MR. MITCHELL THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N. W.)To ask the Prime Minister when he proposes to take the Second Reading of the Irish Council Bill.
§ MR. CLELAND (Glasgow, Bridgeton)To ask the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to pass through this House the English Valuation Bill during the present session; and when it is proposed to introduce the Bill.
§ MR. CLOUGH (Yorkshire, W.R., Skipton)To ask the Prime Minister whether he can mention the date upon which the Second Reading of the Education (Special Religious Instruction) Bill will be the first Order of the Day.
§ SIR J. RANDLES (Cumberland, Cockermouth)To ask the Prime Minister in what order the Government propose to take the Second Reading of the Irish Council Bill, the Resolutions respecting the House of Lords, and the introduction of the promised temperance legislation; and can he also indicate the approximate dates.
§ SIR FRANCIS CHANNING (Northamptonshire, E.)To ask the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state what course will be taken as to the Licensing Bill, promised in the Speech from the Throne.