§ Mr. SANDYSasked whether, in view of the fact that, under the powers conferred by Clause 9 of the Government of Ireland Bill, the Irish Parliament will be able, after three years from the passing of the Act, to alter the electoral franchise so as to include duly qualified women, when Clause 26 comes into operation it will be possible for the Parliament of the United Kingdom to be composed of Members some of whom have been elected on a franchise extended to women and some of whom have been elected on a male franchise only; and whether he will introduce Amendments into the Bill to prevent this being done?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I see no reason for any Amendment of the Bill to meet such a contingency.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEIs there not some reason to suppose that some of the delegates under Clause 26 would come to this House, having been elected on a franchise extended to women?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not like to repeat myself, but we will wait and see.