§ Mr. MUNRO-FERGUSONI desire to ask the Prime Minister a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether, in view of the Amendments to the Address upon the Paper with regard to the subject of Parliamentary Devolution to Scotland, he can allot time for the discussion of that matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe decision as to what Amendments to the Address shall be considered does not rest with the Government. I fear I do not see my way to give facilities in Government time for a separate discussion of this subject.
§ Mr. HUNTIs it not in the power of the right hon. Gentleman to give more time for the Debate on the Address? Can he not give us time for the discussion of national defence, and is not national defence the most important subject of all?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Debate on the Address must be concluded this week, in order to comply with the requirements of the law in regard to the finance of the year. The question of national defence will properly be raised next week on the Army Estimates.
§ Mr. HUNTIs it not the Government's own fault that they have got themselves into this mess, so that they cannot give time to discuss the most important question of all?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere will be ample time for its discussion.
§ Mr. J. M. HOGGEWill the right hon. Gentleman say, if the Government cannot give us time on the Address, when the Government do intend to deal with Scottish Home Rule?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. Friend will have ample opportunity to ballot for private Members' time.
§ Mr. PIRIEAre we to understand that the discussion of the federal solution of the Home Rule question before the bringing into operation of the Irish Home Rule Bill is to be left merely to chance?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir, the Government are making no proposal on the subject this Session.
§ Mr. PIRIEIn view of the fact that such answers as the Prime Minister has now given will increase the natural doubt which is felt throughout the country as to the sincerity of the Government's attitude on this point, will he not at least express the wish to the House that the question may be debated on the Address, if there is time to do so; or, if there is no time for that, will he give an opportunity for a formal Debate during this Session?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the hon. Member and his Friends will ballot for a Motion we shall be only too glad to have it discussed.
§ Mr. PIRIEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are no less than nineteen Amendments to the Address on the Paper, and, in view of that circumstance, can he not express some sympathy with regard to the subject?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMay I ask the Prime Minister when he intends to lay on the Table the Resolution allocating time to finance; and whether it is also possible, for the convenience of the House, to say 246 whether there are to be any holidays, and, if so, what?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe shall put the Motion on the Paper to-morrow, and it will be circulated the next morning. In regard to Easter, I am afraid we shall have to ask the House to sit on Easter Monday.
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe hope to get the Debate concluded on Friday.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI suppose so.