HC Deb 27 February 1911 vol 22 cc30-1
Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that if the Parliament Bill is passed into law there will be no constitutional means; whereby the Home Rule Bill can be submitted to the electorate, he will, before the Third Reading of the Parliament Bill, introduce in the House of Commons the proposed Home Rule Bill or lay before the House its principal provisions?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir. I cannot give any such undertaking.

Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether there is any reason, other than party reasons, for keeping the Home Rule Bill secret?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is a matter of opinion.

Captain CRAIG

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that Ulster will not have Home Rule in any shape or form?

Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

Would it not materially assist Parliament in coming to a decision on the Parliament Bill to know what the provisions of the Home Rule Bill were?

Mr. W. A. REDMOND

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that half Ulster is in favour of Home Rule?

MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINE

asked if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to bring in a Home Rule Bill for Scotland during this Parliament?

The PRIME MINISTER

It would be premature at present to make any statement on this subject.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he-will give us an undertaking that neither a Home Rule Bill for Ireland nor a Devolution Bill for Scotland will be passed until either the preamble of the Parliament Bill has been dealt with or until the electorate has been consulted on the subject?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer is in the negative.