HC Deb 25 March 1912 vol 36 cc26-7
Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked how many days will be allotted for the First Reading of the Home Rule Bill?

Mr. McKENNA

I can make no statement at present.

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Will the Government take into consideration the fact that four days were allotted to the last Home Rule Bill on the First Reading?

Mr. McKENNA

Oh, certainly.

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

Will a statement be made before Easter?

Mr. McKENNA

I think the Prime Minister has already stated that he thought Thursday after Easter would be a convenient day.

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

I was asking the right hon. Gentleman whether a statement would be made in reference to the duration of time?

Mr. McKENNA

I will ask my right hon. Friend.

Earl WINTERTON

asked the Prime Minister if it is still his intention to introduce the Home Rule Bill immediately after the Easter Recess?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer is in the affirmative.

Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to insert a Clause in it, limiting its operation to three years, as is proposed in the Minimum Wage Bill?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir.

Earl WINTERTON

May we take it that this date is settled definitely, whatever the other alterations of business may be, in order that Members may make their arrangements?

Mr. McKENNA

I think the House will regard every date of the sort as conditional upon the requirements of public business.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Am I to understand that the Home Rule Bill is to have precedence over the Welsh Disestablishment Bill?

Mr. McKENNA

There is no question of precedence. The Home Rule Bill will be taken on the Thursday after Easter.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

When will the Welsh Disestablishment Bill be taken?

Mr. McKENNA

Later.

Earl WINTERTON

Will it be possible to get a definite answer this week?

Mr. McKENNA

No, I do not think so.