§ 42. Major NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt in Ireland at the fact that one-third of the places at the Irish Convention have been assigned to the chairmen of the various county and borough councils; whether this means that for three-quarters of Ireland these places will be filled entirely by the adherents of one political party, that no Unionist or Protestant will be represented, and that those who occupy the places have not had to seek election since the War and are 1311 largely out of touch with the trend of public feeling; and is he prepared to modify his scheme in this respect!
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe allocation of representation upon the Convention of the various shades of Irish opinion was decided upon after the most careful consideration, and the Government is not prepared to make the modification suggested by the hon. and Gallant Member.
§ Major NEWMANWith how much greater authority will those county council chairmen be able to speak for Ireland if they come back after the elections?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAll these points have been carefully considered by us, and on the whole we think we have made the best possible arrangements.
§ Mr. REDDYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. and gallant Gentleman would not be elected by any body, Unionist or otherwise?