§ 51. Colonel GODFREY COLLINSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the speech delivered by General Smuts in Glasgow on 19th May in which he suggested that the Imperial Conference would be a suitable High Court of Appeal to settle the Home Rule question; and whether the Government propose to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIn his Glasgow speech General Smuts suggested to the Irish people that if they found it impossible to settle their difficulties themselves they should in the last resort appeal, not to some authority outside the British Empire, but to the Imperial Conference. Whether the Imperial Conference, which as my hon. Friend know, itself selects the subjects of discussion, would consider this question must depend upon circumstances, and I can make no statement on the subject.
§ Colonel COLLINSWould the Imperial War Cabinet consider such a. proposal if such a proposal came to them from the Irish people?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have already explained to the House that the Imperial Conference itself decides what subjects it will discuss.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIs it not a fact that the Governments of all the self-governing Dominions have already strongly expressed their view that Home Rule should be granted to Ireland?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo; indeed, I have reason to believe the reverse is rather the case.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEHave not the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of the Dominion of Canada both passed resolutions on the question?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is a matter of history. My impression is that the Canadian Government passed a resolution to the effect twenty or thirty years ago. I know nothing beyond that.