HC Deb 09 May 1912 vol 38 cc562-3
Mr. NEWMAN

asked whether, in view1 of the position in which the Constitution has been and will be placed, both by the passage of the Parliament Bill and the proposed Government of Ireland Bill, it is the intention of the Government in the course of next Session to give effect to the Preamble of the Parliament Bill, and to so amend the Government of Ireland Bill during its passage through Committee as to make it consonant with any settlement on the lines of devolution or federalism that may be subsequently proposed for the remaining portion of the United Kingdom?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer to the first part of the question is that I am not prepared to make any statement with regard to the business of next Session, and to the second part that I see no necessity for any such amendment.

Mr. NEWMAN

May I ask whether, in the event of any sudden misfortune occurring to His Majesty's Government, the Constitution will not be left in a lop-sided state?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is a hypothetical question.