§ 48. Mr. GOLDMANasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that from the close of the Debate on the Address to the end of the financial year there are twenty-two Parliamentary days, exclusive of Fridays, and that this, according to the experience of previous years, is more than is, necessary for exclusively financial business required by law to be completed before 31st March, he can hold out any prospect that the Government's proposals for amending the Government of Ireland Bill will not be delayed beyond the close of the financial year?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI shall be very glad if the transaction of the necessary financial business can be so accelerated as to render possible the explanation and discussion of these proposals before the close of the financial year.
§ Mr. GOLDMANIn the event of the Opposition giving facilities for concluding the financial business before 31st March, will the right hon. Gentleman make his statement before that date?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEIs there any reason why the right hon. Gentleman should not move the suspension of the Five-o'clock Rule, and make the statement on Friday afternoon?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMany reasons.
§ Mr. MOOREIf the right hon. Gentleman has an opportunity in the Debate on the subject this day week, will he make a statement then?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo.