HC Deb 25 July 1912 vol 41 cc1340-1
45. Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention during the lifetime of the present Parliament to bring forward a scheme of Home Rule applicable to each component part of the United Kingdom?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I have nothing to add to the previous declarations which I have made on this subject.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake in the lifetime of the present Parliament to bring in a Home Rule Bill for Scotland?

The PRIME MINISTER

As I stated, I have nothing to add to what I have already said.

46. Mr. NEWMAN

asked whether the Prime Minister has received a copy of the Report of Scottish Liberal Members on the general scheme of the Government of Ireland Bill in relation to the question of Home Rule for Scotland; whether such Report contains a recommendation that, under any scheme of Home Rule, the delegation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers by the Imperial Parliament to each of the subordinate legislatures must be of the same nature and extent; and whether it is his intention, during the passage of the Government of Ireland Bill through its further stages, to accept any Amendments on behalf of the Government that may be proposed with a view to making effective the recommendations embodied in the Report referred to?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have not received a copy of the Report referred to, though I have seen it in the public Press, to which I would refer the hon. Member for the information he desires in the second part of his question. As regards the third part, I cannot anticipate the progress in Committee of the Bill for the better government of Ireland.

Mr. NEWMAN

Does the Prime Minister regard the policy of Federal Home Rule as practicable and consistent?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must refer the hon. Member to the speeches I have made on the subject.

48. Mr. NEWMAN

asked if the Prime Minister has yet been able to study the provisions of the Government of the United Kingdom Bill; and, if so, whether it is the immediate intention of the Government to introduce legislation for the better government of the United Kingdom based on the constitution of separate Parliaments with identical and equal powers for England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am aware of the provisions of the Bill referred to. As regards the second part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given.