§ 50. Mr. LYNCHasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the gravity of the situation in Ireland and its repercussion in the United States and in the Dominions, he will outline and submit to the Prime Ministers of the Dominions the main features of two alternative policies, one that of dragooning and coercing the Irish people into submissiveness, the other that of healing the wounds by means of a policy of general amnesty and of conciliation; and whether, in the event of such a consultation being arranged, he will give particular attention to the advice of General Botha, who dealt not unsuccessfully with a similar crisis in South Africa?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir, I do not think this is a practicable suggestion.
§ Mr. MACMASTERIn the event of representations being made to the Prime Minister either from foreign countries or from the Dominions, will the right hon. Gentleman have the goodness to permit me to remind him of the answer once given by his predecessor, the late Mr. Gladstone——
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question partakes of an anecdotal character.
§ 51. Mr. JOHN REDMONDasked the Prime Minister upon what day the Irish Government Bill will be introduced?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe intend to introduce the Bill next week.
§ Lord HUGH CECILWhat day?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say.
§ Mr. J. REDMONDCan the right hon. Gentleman fix any date?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot for the moment fix any date. We have next week to take a Vote of Credit; that is essential, and that is why I cannot fix any particular date at this moment, but I will give full notice.
52. Mr. BARLOWasked the Prime Minister whether the Bill to amend the Home Rule Bill has been submitted to and has the approval of the Member for Waterford and the Member for Dublin University; and, if not, whether it will be so submitted before it is introduced to this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCommunications have taken place, and will no doubt continue to take place, between the Government and the hon. Members referred to before the introduction of this Bill.