§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he has received a deputation of hon. Members representing Scottish Liberal opinion on the subject of Home Rule for Scotland; and whether he is now able to state whether a Government of Scotland Bill will, in the event of the present Government being in office, be introduced in the next Session of Parliament?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have received a deputation, but I am not able to make any statement yet as to the business of next Session.
§ Mr. NEWMANMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, who is himself a Scottish Member, if there is really any opinion in Scotland in favour of Home Rule for Scotland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is a matter of opinion.
§ Mr. HOGGEMay I ask if the position is this: that next Session a measure for Scottish Home Rule will have equal chance with any other legislation the Cabinet proposes to introduce?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot make any statement at present.
§ Mr. PIRIEIs the unwillingness or reluctance of the Government to give information on the matter due to divided opinion on the question in the Cabinet?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is due entirely to the ordinary requirements of public business.
Sir GILBERT PARKERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that more than one Scottish Member in this House gave information to the House concerning the deputation and the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware of anything of the kind.
§ Mr. PIRIEAre we to understand from the Prime Minister's recent statement that the Cabinet are unanimous in support of the Prime Minister in this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is not a question really which ought to be asked.
§ Mr. PIRIEasked the Prime Minister whether, before the Debate on the Second Reading of the Government of Ireland Bill closes, any Minister, speaking for the Government, will make an announcement regarding the future government of Scotland as affected by this Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot anticipate any statement that may be made during the course of to-day's Debate.
§ Mr. PIRIECannot the Secretary for Scotland be asked to give his opinion on this matter to the House?
§ Mr. WATTMay we take it that the alternative plan of dealing with the Standing Orders has been abandoned by the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNothing must be taken for granted except what I have said?