HC Deb 20 March 1912 vol 35 cc1878-9
Captain CRAIG

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed to pass into law a Home Rule Bill under the Parliament Act even though twice rejected by the Upper House, and even though by-elections may go against the Government during the two years necessary, and even though the people of the country generally have no opportunity of pronouncing upon it, and even though the loyalists in Ireland are as opposed to it as in 1888 and 1893?

The PRIME MINISTER

So many hypotheses—at least four—are involved in this question that I do not feel called upon at present to answer it.

Captain CRAIG

Is there anything hypothetical about South Manchester, St. Rollox, and other by-elections?

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is there anything hypothetical about the Unionists being Loyalists in Ireland?

Mr. KING

Is there anything hypothetical about the fact that the Opposition have no faith in the Upper House, seeing that they consider—

Mr. JAMES HOPE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman which of the four hypotheses he rejects as incorrect?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not propose to answer those questions until all the four hypotheses have been realised.

Captain CRAIG

Will the right hon. Gentleman give Ulster an opportunity of proving its loyalty?

Mr. MacVEAGH

By fighting the King's arms.