§ 40. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Prime Minister whether, and, if so, when, he proposes to make a statement as to the policy of the new Government?
§ 44. Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENasked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given for discussing the disappearance of the late Home Rule Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing for the moment to add to the statements which I made in the House before the Adjournment and in a letter which during the Recess I addressed through the Chief Whip to the members of my own party. If there is anything in the nature of a general desire to discuss the matter, the Government will be ready to give facilities for the purpose.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the Prime Minister please note that my question does not refer to the formation of the Government at all, but merely to the programme of the Government; and has he noticed his colleague's speech at Dundee that a duty lies upon the Government to declare what should be done and propose it to Parliament?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy answer referred to both parts of the question.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENMay I inquire whether the Prime Minister has ascertained what is the desire of the representatives of Ireland in this matter; whether as a Home Ruler he does not think it is the opinion of Ireland, and not that of Great Britain, that ought to prevail upon the question of suppressing discussion in reference to one of the cruellest blows the cause of Ireland has ever sustained?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not in favour of suppressing discussion. On the contrary, I say if there is a general desire for it the Government will give facilities.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENHow are we to ascertain what is the general desire? I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has ascertained whether the representatives of Ireland do or do not desire such a discussion?
§ Sir HENRY CRAIKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many Members in all parts of the House do not desire to discuss past history, but wish rather to have a statement of the intentions of the Government and of the action which will give those intentions effect?
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENI would like to press the Prime Minister to give a reply to my question, which I think is an important one—whether the representatives of Ireland have been consulted in reference to so vital a matter as this?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir, no body of representatives have been specially consulted.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENHow are we to know, then?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Government will be glad to receive representations from any of them.
§ 43. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether the policy of the Coalition Government is to rely on the present recruiting facilities for the supply of soldiers and 81 sailors being continued; and whether the Government is satisfied with the response being given to the last appeals for more men?
§ Mr. PRINGLEI beg to ask the Prime Minister a question, of which I have given him private notice: Whether the statements made by the Minister of Munitions at Manchester indicate that it is the intention of the Government to introduce a system of compulsory military service or of compulsory labour?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe response which has been given to the last appeal has been satisfactory. A full announcement of the policy of the Government with regard to these matters will shortly be made in this House.
§ Sir ARTHUR MARKHAMAre we to take it that the policy of His Majesty's Government is that they desire that married men up to the age of forty, with families, should enlist with the Colours, and that young men of twenty to twenty-five should do no work at all?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir, I have said that a full statement of policy will be made.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMAre we to take it that the Prime Minister and the Government do not approve of the circular issued by Lord Kitchener calling upon married men up to the age of forty to enlist; also does the right hon. Gentleman approve of the circular issued by Lord Kitchener, and posted at the War Office, asking, "What will your best girl say?" Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that consistent with the honour and dignity of the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like notice of that question.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMI will give you notice.