§ Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can explain why, notwithstanding the fact that a special Memorandum has been published explanatory of the principal Amendments proposed to be incorporated in the National Insurance Bill, no reference is made there or on the Notice Paper to any Amendment to be proposed by him on Clause 59; have the Government Amendments to nearly all the other Clauses of the Bill been already published; and can he now announce his decision in reference to that Clause so that there may be time for consideration of the matter in Ireland before the allotted day for the discussion of the Clause?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI can assure the hon. Member that the case of Ireland is receiving careful consideration, and that any Amendments that may be necessary will be published in a few days' time.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENMay I ask is there not a special hardship that after six months' consideration we have not the slightest inkling of what is to be done in Ireland; and will he at least give us another day for Clause 59, so that there may be no danger that a mass of new Amendments put on the Paper at the last moment may choke discussion as to the two vital points in the Clause, namely, whether it is to apply to Ireland; and, if so, whether it is to recognise secret sectarian societies as approved societies?
Mr. McKINNON WOODIt is, of course, outside my sphere to promise an extra day, but I do not think the hon. Gentleman need be afraid that these Amendments will not be tabled in due time.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYCan the right hon. Gentleman say what notice we shall get. The Irish Members have not intervened on this Bill, and we are entitled to reasonable notice as to laws that are going to be made for our country?
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYAs I have received no reply, I beg to give notice that to-night I will raise the question on the Motion for Adjournment.