§ 30. Mr. NEWMANasked whether the suggestions with reference to an Amendment of the terms of the Government of Ireland Bill, as outlined in a Government White Paper, will, in the event of the Bill obtaining a Second Reading, be forthwith tabled as actual Amendments to the measure, and be debated on Committee stage in due course; and whether the Government adhere to their statement that the suggestions as outlined represent a limit of concession beyond which they are not allowed to proceed?
§ Mr. McKENNAAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's statement on this subject on 16th March; and, as regards the latter part, to the speeches made by my right hon. Friends on the Second Reading of the Bill, to which I have nothing to add.
§ 48. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the impossibility of approaching the settlement of the Irish problem with any prospect of success in the present excited state of public opinion while this House is sitting and party feelings exacerbated by continuous Parliamentary discussion, he will consider the desirability of extending the Easter Recess from four days to three weeks, so as to admit of the possibility of some settlement being arrived at during that period?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy right hon. Friend regrets that he does not see his way to accede to the hon. Member's suggestion. He trusts that the view expressed in the first part of the question may prove erroneous.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill the right hon. Gentleman and the Cabinet consider the advisability of a prolonged Adjournment at Whitsuntide with this object in view?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt will be considered when the time comes.