34. Mr. ALAN SYKESasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the absence of any provision in the Government of Ireland Bill for the automatic redistribution of seats; and whether, having regard to the growth of the population of Belfast, he will make provision in the Government of Ireland Bill for increased representation in the Irish Parliament for Belfast as its population increases?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Government of Ireland Bill does not any more than the existing law provide for the automatic redistribution of seats. It will, however, be within the powers of the Irish Parliament to make a redistribution after three years, and, in so doing, it will be bound to have due regard to the population of the constituencies.