§ 64. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether the pledge which he gave on 16th April, 1918, with reference to the promised Irish Home Rule Bill, that the Government would resign if it failed to pass both Houses, will apply to the Bill for the better government of Ireland which he will shortly introduce?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERI must ask the hon. Member to await my statement on Monday.
§ Mr. HOGGEHas the pledge already given not yet fallen due? I am referring to 35 the pledge appearing in the OFFICIAL REPORTS, and given during the Debates on the Military Service Bill, and I ask does it still hold good?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERI can make no statement on this subject, but I have a statement to make on the next question in the name of the hon. Member.
§ 65. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether the Bill for the better government of Ireland will be introduced before the Recess?
§ 73. Captain W. BENNasked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce the Irish Self-government Bill; and how many stages of it will be taken this Session?
§ THE PRIME MINISTEROwing to the preoccupation of the Government over preparations for and the discussions at the series of international conferences just concluded, I am afraid I cannot make a statement on the Irish proposals of the Government this week, but hope to be in a position to do so on Monday next. As the House rises on Tuesday for some weeks and no further progress could possibly be made with a Bill this Session, the Government thought it would conduce to more effective progress with this troubled problem if their proposals were placed now in outline before the country with a view to the introduction of the measure early next Session.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs there no question of the introduction of the Bill and carrying it over to next Session? Is it not to be introduced? Is there to be no Second Reading?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERI have already said so.
§ Captain BENNIs it the intention of the Government to continue military repression in Ireland?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERIt is the intention of the Government to maintain law and order?
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYOn what Motion will the right hon. Gentleman's proposals be introduced on Monday?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERPossibly on a Motion for Adjournment, but I cannot say definitely.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to make definite proposals next Monday? Is that his intention?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERI propose to make definite proposals and outline the scheme.
§ Mr. DEVLINDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that that is treating this House and Ireland fairly—to submit then a scheme for the future government of Ireland when he has allocated to-morrow—a day in the busy end of the Session—for educational proposals which will be wholly revolutionary for that country? Does not the introduction of the Education Bill tomorrow prove that this is not a serious proposal?
§ Sir E. CARSONIs not the question of education for more important than the question of Home Rule?
§ Mr. DEVLINIs the right hon. Member for Duncairn (Sir E. Carson) not aware that the more you educate the Irish people the greater rebels they make?