HC Deb 22 January 1918 vol 101 cc950-2

Read a second time.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House will immediately resolve itself into Committee on the Bill.

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)

This is a Bill which has been the subject of discussion between the Irish Executive and the Irish Members, and it has been strongly recommended by the public authorities in Ireland who have deemed it to be necessary. Amendments have been proposed which will be considered generally satisfactory. In these circumstances, and as the Bill is one which is much desired in the interests of public health in Ireland, I hope it will be allowed to pass through all its stages to-night.

Mr. GULLAND

I have no objection to what the Chief Secretary says, but I notice on the Paper several Motions, by Irish Members, for the rejection of the Second Reading. If the right hon. Gentleman says that this measure has the approval of the Irish Members, I have no objection, but I would like to be assured that he has their approval for this course.

Mr. DUKE

The Bill has been the subject of discussion between the Irish Office and the Irish Members for a considerable period. I assume that the right hon. Gentleman opposite knows the circumstances of the discussion which has taken place. Otherwise it would be difficult to bring the Bill forward in this way.

Mr. KING

In regard to the three hon. Members whose names appear on the Paper, and who have given notice of objection to this Bill, I should like to know if they concur in the line which has just been taken up by the Chief Secretary?

Mr. DUKE

Yes; the Amendment in the name of the hon. Member for Sligo has been satisfied.

General M'CALMONT

Perhaps I may be allowed to say that I know that certain members of the Irish party below the Gangway did raise some difficulties, but I have been assured on several occasions that they were difficulties which can be adjusted, although I am not able to say definitely that they have withdrawn their opposition. Nevertheless, I have every reason to believe that those difficulties can be overcome.

Bill accordingly considered in Committee.

Clauses 1 (Certification) and 2 (Provision for Existing Midwives) ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Committee report Progress; to sit again To-morrow.

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.

Whereupon Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER, pursuant to the Order of the House of the 12th February, proposed the Question, "That this House do now adjourn."

Adjourned accordingly at Twenty-five minutes, after Eleven o'clock.