§ 47. Sir J. D. REESasked whether the right hon. Gentleman has seen the report of the Notts and Derbyshire deputation of twelve Unionist and twelve Liberal working men, after a tour just concluded in Ireland, to the effect that they are of opinion that the people of Ulster are determined to resist the domination of an Irish Parliament, that they are unanimously of opinion that if the Government of Ireland Bill as now framed is forced on the people 190 of Ulster there will undoubtedly be civil war, and that they unanimously agree that this subject of national importance should be submitted to the country by Referendum; and whether the Government will give effect to this request?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I have not seen the report referred to. The general question of a Referendum is not one with which I can deal in answer to a question.
§ 48. Mr. COWANasked whether, having regard to the amount of support extended from various quarters of the House to proposals that common ground of agreement should be found for the settlement of the-Ulster difficulty, the Government will now take into serious consideration the suggestion put forward in the Amendment moved in last Thursday's Debate by the hon. Member for North Aberdeen?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can only say that I am as anxious as my hon. Friend to give the fullest consideration to any proposals which seem likely to afford a common ground of agreement.