HC Deb 18 May 1914 vol 62 cc1574-6
56. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Prime Minister whether the Bill to amend the Government of Ireland Bill will be introduced into the House of Commons or the House of Lords; and whether he will state on what date such Bill will be introduced?

57. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to introduce the amending Bill to the Government of Ireland Bill?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

My right hon. Friend cannot yet make a statement on this subject.

Mr. BUTCHER

Will the amending Bill be introduced before the Third Reading of the Home Rule Bill is taken?

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the House of Lords has never introduced a Reform Bill?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

When will the Prime Minister be able to make a statement on this subject?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am afraid I cannot answer that question now.

Mr. JAMES HOGGE

Are there any precedents for amending a Bill by a Bill?

Mr. BUTCHER

Is there any precedent for bringing on the Third Reading of a Bill under the conditions that it is proposed to bring on the Third Reading of the Home Rule Bill?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It is under a new Act of Parliament, the Parliament Act.

53. Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of an amending Bill being brought forward to amend the terms of the Government of Ireland Bill, it is proposed to amend Clause 14 of that Bill, which seeks to enact that the cost of Irish services shall be provided for by the Irish Parliament, and that any charge for the benefit of the Local Taxation Account or any Grant out of moneys provided by the Imperial Parliament, so far as made for Irish services, shall cease; and, if not, in what way it is proposed to give a subvention of £630,000 to such Local Taxation Account in relief of rates?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

As regards the first part of the question, I am not prepared to anticipate the terms of the amending Bill. For the rest, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Members for Windsor and North Meath on Tuesday last.

Mr. NEWMAN

Is there going to be a financial amending Bill as well as the other amending Bill?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I do not think I can add anything to the answer I have given.