§ 54. Mr. NEWMANasked whether in the event of the Government deciding not to bring the Government of Ireland Bill into operation before the dissolution of Parliament, while placing on the Statute Book and making operative the Franchise and Registration Bill now before Parliament, it is their intention to redeem their pledge that a measure abolishing the plural vote shall be accompanied by a measure to redistribute the present electoral areas of the United Kingdom?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAlthough the first part of the question is hypothetical I may say that the statement made by my right hon. Friend on the introduction of the Franchise Bill was that it was the intention of the Government to follow that Bill by a Redistribution Bill. This is still the Government's intention.
§ Mr. NEWMANDoes the Prime Minister not remember a speech made by the Colonial Secretary on the Second Reading, in which he said that Redistribution is contingent upon hon. Gentlemen below the Gangway disappearing from this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo. Perhaps the hon. Member will refer me to it.
§ Mr. NEWMANIt is in the OFFICIAL REPORT.