75. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMP-SONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of his promise that if there was really any desire on the part of any body of Members of this House for the publication of the evidence given before the Committee on Irish Finance he would consider the possibility of the publication, and in view of the fact that 327 Members have signed a memorial asking for the publication, what steps he now proposes to take in the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I stated on 30th July, there has been some misunderstanding on this subject. I said that I should require proof that the House as a whole desired the publication of the evidence, and I do not think that the number of signatures attached to the memorial shows such a general desire.
§ Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONWill the right hon. Gentleman say what the Chancellor of the Exchequer meant when he gave his pledge?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that without exaggeration I have had to answer 1709 at least twenty questions on this subject, and I have always held the same language, namely, that I must have evidence of a general desire on the part of the House.
§ Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONIs it not a fact that a large part of the evidence is directly contrary to the financial provisions of the Home Rule Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is a matter of opinion. My opinion is in the negative.
§ Earl WINTERTONDid not the Chancellor of the Exchequer use the phrase, "Considerable body of opinion?" Is not 327 enough?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think my phrase was, "A general desire on the part of the House." I have answered at least twenty questions on the subject. I do not think 327 is enough.
§ Mr. REMNANTWill the right hon. Gentleman be satisfied with a bare majority of the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will wait until I see it.