HC Deb 07 March 1912 vol 35 cc534-5
Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Prime Minister what was the precise reference to the Committee on Irish Finance?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

As I have frequently stated, the Report of the Committee is a confidential document, prepared for the use of the Government. I cannot, therefore, answer any questions as to the terms of reference or as to the contents of the Report.

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Is there any reason for shrouding the proceedings of this Committee in such extraordinary mystery?

The PRIME MINISTER

There is no shrouding or mystery. As I said before, this was a confidential inquiry undertaken by the Government for their own information.

Captain CRAIG

Does it matter very much what the Report is?

Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that a majority of this House has affirmed the principle that authority for the manage- ment of purely local affairs, on the lines of powers now possessed by a constituent province of the Dominion of Canada, shall be delegated alike to both Scotland and Ireland, he is in a position to state that the proposed policy of the Government coincides with the expressed wish of a majority of the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

I can say nothing beyond that the Government could clearly not pass any legislation which did not meet with the approval of the majority of the House. The matter is obviously too large to be adequately dealt with in answer to a question.

Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

asked the Prime Minister whether he will introduce the Home Rule Bill before the Easter Recess?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

May I respectfully press for a more satisfactory answer. [HON. MEMBERS: "Speak up."] Have some little decency. May I ask the Prime Minister whether it is unreasonable for an Irish Member, now that all but a month has passed in the third Session of this short Parliament, to inquire about and obtain some information when we shall hear of a Bill which we have been waiting for for six long years?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, it is not at all unreasonable, and I never said it was. But the exigencies of the Parliamentary business are such that it is impossible to introduce the Bill before the date mentioned in the question.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Has the right hon. Gentleman arrived at that decision since the defeat in South Manchester?