13. Mr. ALAN SYKESasked under what election laws members would be elected to the Irish House of Commons in the event of the Irish Parliament not exercising its powers in Clause 9 (3) of the Government of Ireland Bill and of the United Kingdom Parliament repealing Clause 13 of the Government of Ireland Bill?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe mere repeal of Clause 13 of the Bill would not alter the manner in which members of the Irish House of Commons would be elected under Sub-section (1) of Clause 9 of the Bill.
§ 23. Colonel RAWSONasked whether the Irish Parliament, under the provisions of Clause 9 (3) of the Government of Ireland. Bill, will have power to make laws increasing facilities for voting by illiterate persons?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Irish Parliament will have power to make such a law under Clause 9 (3), if they think it advisable, so far as regards the election of Members of the Irish House of Commons.
§ Mr. MOOREIf the Irish Parliament is to be conceded the power to repeal the Corrupt Practices Act and the provisions about illiterates, what safeguard is there for the ordinary elector?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe same safeguard as under the operations of any other Parliament.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not a fact that since the Liberal Government came into power the number of illiterates has rapidly diminished?