HC Deb 10 June 1918 vol 106 cc1872-3
46. Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government adhere to their intention to introduce at an early date a measure for the establishment of self-government in Ireland and to invite the House to pass it into law with the least possible delay?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot add anything to previous statements on this subject.

Mr. SAMUEL

In view of the fact that it is now two months since the announcement referred to in my question was made by the Prime Minister, can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to inform the House as to the Irish policy of the Government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No, I am sorry to say I cannot name any time. In fact; the answer I have given, I regret to say, is complete. I can make no further statement.

Mr. PRINGLE

Are we to understand that the intention of the Government in relation to Home Rule in Ireland is now definitely abandoned?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No, the hon. Member is not to understand that.

Mr. KING

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that everybody draws that conclusion, whatever he says?

Mr. BONAR LAW

If the conclusion were so universal as that, it would hardly be necessary to put the question.

Mr. P. A. HARRIS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the right hon. Member for Blackfriars (Mr. Barnes), in reply to an interruption of mine, said that it was the intention of the Government to put this Bill through both Houses of Parliament immediately?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have already stated that I can add nothing

Mr. PRINGLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Prime Minister said it was the price of winning the War?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have been told that.