HC Deb 01 November 1911 vol 30 cc868-70
Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the conflicting statements made as to the nature of the proposals of the forthcoming Home Rule Bill, he will consider the advisability of the suggestion made in Ireland that a preparatory Memorandum be issued, as is done in the case of the Army and Navy Estimates, submitting the main proposals of the Government to public consideration and suggestion in Ireland, so as to avoid any danger of the repetition of the fate of the Irish Council Bill of 1907?

The PRIME MINISTER

The statements to which the hon. Member refers are, of course, mere guesswork. The course suggested in his question is, so far as I know, without any precedent, and even if it were practicable (which in my opinion it is not) it would not be likely to conduce to a satisfactory solution of the problem on the lines which I presume the hon. Member desires.

Mr. PIRIE

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to invite the Irish party to frame a measure of their own regarding Home Rule in the same way that Scotch Members have framed theirs?

Mr. W. O'BRIEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman's remark that the statements are guesswork apply to the statement of the hon. and learned Gentleman (Mr. J. Redmond)? As it would be out of order to carry on this subject, I beg to give notice that I shall have a word or two to say on the Motion for the Adjournment to-night.

Mr. PIRIE

Docs the right hon. Gentleman not think it worth while answering my suggestion?

The PRIME MINISTER

I cannot hold out any encouragement to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. HUNT

asked whether the Government scheme for Home Rule for Ireland includes the proposals that the Irish Members will still sit in the British House of Commons, and whether the Irish Second Chamber will be brought into existence before the promised reconstructed Second Chamber is established by law for Great Britain?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to a similar question by my hon. Friend, the Member for the College Division of Glasgow.

Mr. HUNT

May we not conclude that the Government are going to force a Home Rule Bill into law although the people have never been allowed a chance of discussing it?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is anticipating the Debates of next Session.