HC Deb 13 February 1919 vol 112 cc264-5
45. Mr. MACMASTER

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government have taken to initiate the housing and land settlement schemes forecasted during the General Election?

Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the two Bills, notice of presentation of which were given in the House on Tuesday last.

Mr. BILLING

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is proposed to introduce these Bills?

Mr. BONAR LAW

At the earliest possible moment.

Captain REDMOND

Will the Housing Bill apply to Ireland?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No, this Bill does not apply to Ireland?

Mr. DEVLIN

What steps does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take in regard to this most important question in relation to Ireland?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I believe that is being considered. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question. [HON. MEMBERS: "Wait and see."]

Mr. DEVLIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have nobody here to put down a question to?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The hon. Member is mistaken. If he puts down a question to the Chief Secretary for Ireland it will be answered by my right hon. Friend the Irish Attorney-General.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when the Chief Secretary for Ireland will be here?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of this question.

Lieuteaant-Colonel GUINNESS

Does not the absence of Irish representatives from this House show that they do not take any interest in the housing of the working classes?

Mr. DEVLIN

At any rate, we have Guinness's stout represented!

Mr. SPEAKER

I called on the hon. and gallant Member (Lieutenant-Colonel W. Guinness) to ask the next question on the Paper, not to ask an offensive question.