§ 47. Mr. NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill receiving the Royal Assent during the course of the present Session, it is the intention of the Government to undertake and carry into effect any scheme of redistribution of electoral areas in Great Britain before resigning office?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to him on the 23rd February, to which statement I can add nothing.
§ 48. Mr. NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Return issued at the beginning of last month and showing the Government proposals in connection with the Government of Ireland Bill states that such proposals, if carried into effect, will involve new arrangements for the mode in which the authority of the Imperial Executive is to be exercised in any excluded area, and new arrangements with regard to finance, administration, and other points of detail; whether such new arrangements will be tabled by the Government in the form of suggestions; and, if so, when, or whether they will be carried out by Order in Council and without debate?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I have already stated, I am not prepared at this stage to commit myself as to the method of carrying out the incidental or consequential adjustments to the provisions of the Bill, which would be necessary if our proposals are adopted as a basis of settlement.
§ Mr. NEWMANMay I ask whether there will be a chance given for debate on this question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI say I cannot commit myself at present as to the method of carrying out the adjustments.