§ 51. Mr. HUNTasked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the fact that, if the Government of Ireland Bill is forced into law without the people being given a chance of deciding whether they are in favour of it or not, it will mean not only civil war in. Ireland, but also the open hostility of many British officers and of men of all classes in this country; and can he say what he proposes to do to avert so serious a calamity and the consequent dangers of attack from abroad?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis question is based on hypotheses which the hon. Member cannot expect me to accept or within the limits of an answer to discuss.
§ Mr. HUNTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is still certain of that full support of the people of the United Kingdom, without which he gave us to understand that no such legislation could pass?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no reason to express any doubt as to any opinion I have already given.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIs the right hon. Gentleman of opinion that by-elections form no guide as to the opinion of the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am talking about the Government of Ireland Bill, to 591 which, so far as I know—I speak after looking at these things from a distance—no attention has been given at recent by-elections.
§ 53. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked whether the right hon. Gentleman will publish a financial memorandum, on the lines of that issued last year, to accompany the Government of Ireland Bill, so as to show the financial arrangements of the Bill on the basis of the Estimates of the present year?
§ The PRIME MINISTERA memorandum based on the approximate figures for 1912–13 was circulated this morning, Cd. 6844, but I will consider whether the further publication desired by the hon. Member would be useful.