HC Deb 24 July 1919 vol 118 cc1539-40
56. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Prime Minister whether, in pursuance of the declaration contained in his letter of 25th February, 1918, to the Chairman of the Irish Convention that the only hope of agreement lies in a solution which provides for the unity of Ireland under a single legislature with adequate safeguards for the interests of Ulster and the Southern Unionists, the Government will formulate proposals which will give to an Irish Parliament, through an Irish Executive, complete control over all internal affairs including the levying of all taxes, and at the same time recognise the rights of minorities by giving to an Irish legislature representative of the Province of Ulster power to alter and forbid legislation and administration injuriously affecting their moral and material interests?

Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)

I cannot add anything to what the Prime Minister said in Debate on Monday last on this subject.

Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the article in the "Times" this morning; and will he consider the adoption of those proposals, if the Government cannot consider any better ones?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have not had time to read the whole of it, but l certainly shall do so.

Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAY

Will the Government examine and consider these proposals?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know what my hon. and gallant Friend means. We receive a great many suggestions of this kind, including those put forward by Sir Horace Plunkett. You may be sure that the Government will not leave out of account any relevant suggestion.

Lord H. CAVENDISH - BENTINCK

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that if proposals such as these were formulated hon. Members from Ulster would be justified in refusing to co-operate in the settlement of the Irish question?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think that is a hypothetical question to which an answer cannot be expected now.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Can I ask the right hon. Gentleman a question which is not hypothetical; how long will the Government insist on misgoverning the people of Ireland at the dictation of an irreconcilable minority?

Mr. SPEAKER

That hardly arises out of this question.