HC Deb 11 November 1912 vol 43 c1718
47. Mr. FELL

asked the Prime Minister if it is his intention, if the Irish Members of this House are reduced to forty-two, to keep the numbers of this House at the reduced level or to fill up the vacancies?

The PRIME MINISTER

The reduction referred to will not create any vacancies.

Mr. PIRIE

Can the right hon. Gentleman state how many Members will represent Scotland under the new scheme of devolution?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is rather premature.

Mr. PIRIE

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is possible to say what number should come from Ireland unless he can state the number from other parts of the United Kingdom?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is a matter of argument.

Mr. PIRIE

It is a matter of imagination.