HC Deb 13 February 1911 vol 21 cc670-1
Mr. KING

asked whether a committee had been appointed to inquire into the working of the House Rule Ordinance in Southern Nigeria; and who are the members of that committee and what are the terms of reference?

Mr. HARCOURT

No Committee has been appointed, as far as I am aware, but I instructed the Governor in December last to make a careful inquiry into the working of the Ordinance, and to furnish me with a report on the subject.

Mr. KING

asked whether, under the House Rule Ordinance of Southern Nigeria it was possible to separate against their will husband and wife who have been married with Christian rites; whether such cases have actually occurred, and, if so, how many have been reported; and whether, under this ordinance, families have been forcibly broken up and the units transferred to different masters in different places.

Mr. HARCOURT

I am aware of no cases in which husbands and wives who have been married with Christian rites have been separated against their will under the Native House Rule Ordinance, and I am advised that such separation could not be enforced under that Ordinance. I will, however, refer my hon. Friend's enquiry to the Governor and invite his comments.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Can we have that House Rule Ordinance laid upon the Table of the House?

Mr. HARCOURT

I think so, but I will inquire.

Captain CRAIG

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will include Ireland in the scope of this Commission and make things right there?

Mr. HARCOURT

I think the hon. Member is misreading the word "House" for "Home."

Captain CRAIG

May I ask whether it is not a fact that there is a rule in Ireland that most people's homes are their houses?