§ Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENasked for the convenience of Irish Members when the proposed restoration of medical benefit to Ireland, under Clause 59 of the National Insurance Bill, will be under discussion?
Mr. McKINNON WOODAs my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, stated during the discussion on Clause 59 in Committee, his only reason for proposing the omission of medical benefit in Ireland was that he found that Irish opinion as a whole desired this alteration. He has received no sufficient evidence that Irish opinion has undergone a change in this respect and he does not therefore, as at present advised, propose to ask for the recommittal of the Bill for the object indicated by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENAm I to understand that his mind is still an open mind, and that it is according to the extent of the pressure from Ireland he will determine whether or not he will restore the medical benefit?
§ Mr. JOHN REDMONDBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that may I ask is he aware that nothing has occurred which has changed the opinion of the majority of Irish representatives in this House that medical benefits should be excluded from the Bill in existing circumstances, or to induce him to desire that the matter should be reopened?
Mr. McKINNON WOODMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer thought that this was a matter upon which the opinion of the majority of the Irish representatives should be consulted.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he will arrange the timetable for the Report stage in such a manner that there will be no danger of the discussion upon Clause 59 being suppressed altogether by the guillotine?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I will consult my right hon. Friend on that.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the discussion which did take place on Clause 59 collapsed prematurely?