HC Deb 06 April 1914 vol 60 cc1631-2
Lord HUGH CECIL

May I ask a question, of which I gave the Foreign Secretary private notice: Whether the Government will favourably consider the Motion standing on the Paper in my name as follows:—"After Second Reading of Government of Ireland Bill, to move, That the Bill be committed to a Select Committee of Thirty Members: That it be an Instruction to the Select Committee that they frame such suggestions to the House of Lords, in accordance with the provisions of the Parliament Act, as they may think expedient, in the interests of the peace and good government of Ireland, for the exclusion of the province of Ulster or of part of that province from the operation of the Bill, subject to such conditions and limitations as they may think fit; and that they report such suggestions to this House with the Bill"?

Mr. McKENNA

The Foreign Secretary asked me to answer this question. The subject is one which cannot be adequately dealt with in reply to a question, but I do not at present think that the suggestion made by the Noble Lord affords the best method of dealing with the matter.

Lord HUGH CECIL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say on behalf of the Government whether they have any other method of dealing with the matter?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, Sir; but I do not think that it is a matter which can be. dealt with by question and answer.

Lord HUGH CECIL

How otherwise is it to be dealt with?

Mr. McKENNA

In the course of debate.

Lord HUGH CECIL

To-night?

Mr. McKENNA

It has been so dealt with.