HC Deb 25 October 1916 vol 86 c1118
48. Major CHAPPLE

asked the Prime Minister whether he will submit to representatives from Ireland a proposal for bringing into immediate operation the Government of Ireland Act modified by the following provisions: That at any time, not being sooner than six months after the War, a stated number of electors in Ulster may petition Parliament to set up a Boundary Commission to define Protestant Ulster, that thereafter a plebiscite be taken of electors within such area to ascertain whether they will continue to send their representatives to the Irish Parliament or to any other local Parliament willing to receive them that may be set up or, failing this, to the Imperial Parliament, that any legislative or administrative Act of the Irish Parliament prior to such plebiscite may, in its application to Ulster, be vetoed by the Imperial Parliament, and that pending such plebiscite all Irish Members be retained at Westminster?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am afraid that His Majesty's Government as at present advised cannot make themselves responsible for my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Major CHAPPLE

Have all possible means been exhausted?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I hope not.