HC Deb 08 May 1918 vol 105 cc2151-2
51. Mr. G. FABER

asked the Prime Minister whether he can assure this House that the proposed Home Rule Bill for Ireland will not be carried beyond Second Reading until compulsory military ser vice has been applied to Ireland, according to the law, equally with the rest of the United Kingdom?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can add nothing to the reply which I gave on Monday last to a question by the right hon. Member for Islington West.

Mr. FABER

Is it intended to press the Home Rule Bill into law, even though compulsory military service in Ireland meanwhile remains ineffective?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The intention of the Government in that matter was clearly stated by the Prime Minister, and it has undergone no change.

Mr. P. A. HARRIS

Was not the calling up of men up to fifty made contingent on applying Conscription to Ireland?

Mr. HOGGE

Seeing that Conscription obtains in Scotland, will the Government give us a Home Rule Bill at once?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have no reason to believe that Scotland desires it.

Mr. R. McNEILL

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been called to the statement of the hon. Member for Galway that the passage of Home Rule will be a permanent guarantee against Conscription in Ireland?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, my attention was called to it, but it does not affect in any way the intentions of the Government.