§ 53. Mr. JAMES HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether conversations on the future of the Government of Ireland Bill have been renewed between certain individuals; whether any of the parties of the conversations have taken any means to ascertain the views of the parties whom they represent; and whether the informal decisions, if any, which may be arrived at will be submitted in any formal way to the Members of the various parties returned to secure the passing of a Home Rule Bill for Ireland before any suggestion or decision is intimated to the House of Commons?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWhatever consultations may have taken place are of a confidential character. The House will not be committed to any course without adequate opportunity for discussion being given.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill adequate opportunities be given only to the House, or will the Members of the parties be consulted? Will the Prime Minister take care to avoid any statement being made by any Minister on that bench which involves the party behind him to which they do not agree?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will do my best.