§ 53. Mr. RONALD M'NEILLasked the Prime Minister whether, as the completion of land purchase in Ireland has been admitted to be more important than Home Rule, he intends, whatever may be the fate of the Government of Ireland Bill, to 1914 facilitate and accelerate land purchase; and whether it is his intention to introduce a Bill for that purpose next Session?
§ 54. Mr. NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce fresh legislation or to expedite the working of the Land Purchase Acts, 1903 and 1909, by the methods already provided by any Clauses of the said Acts; and whether, should fresh legislation or an amending Act be contemplated, he can give the probable date of its introduction?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government fully recognise the importance of the question, and are now giving it careful consideration; but I am unable at present to anticipate the legislative programme of next year.
§ Mr. RONALD M'NEILLHas the Government any serious intention of proceeding with land purchase in Ireland, or is the matter no more than a debt of honour which does not brook delay.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is not a very polite question, and had the hon. Gentleman listened to my answer, it is a totally unnecessary one.