§ 52. Mr. MOOREasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that for years the non-political and charitable society of the Order of Freemasons has been denounced by Roman Catholic bishops and Nationalist Members of Parliament indiscriminately; if it is proposed to place this society and its property under the control of a majority nominated by its opponents; and what safeguard will it have under the Government of Ireland Bill from tyranny, confiscation, and oppression at the hands of a Dublin Parliament?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I am not aware how much foundation there is for the allegations in the first paragraph; in regard to the second and third, it is a matter for argument in Committee whether the safeguards proposed in the Bill are or are not adequate.
§ Mr. MOOREArising out of that answer, will the right hon. Gentleman accept an Amendment to exclude the rights and privileges of members of this society now have from Clause 2?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir, as at present advised, no. I will listen to any arguments.
§ Mr. MOOREIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to throw these people to the wolves, either through ignorance, or indifference, or from a desire to placate hon. Members below the Gangway, or from all three?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for argument.