§ 48. Major O'NEILLasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that only two Members representing Irish constituencies voted for the Second Reading of the Local Government (Ireland) Bill; and whether, in these circumstances, it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the further stages of this measure?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer is in the affirmative.
§ Major O'NEILLWill the Government proceed with a measure applying to England and Wales under similar circumstances?
§ Lieutenant-Colonel W. GUINNESSIs my right hon. Friend aware that the facts pointed out are the strongest evidence of the necessity of the measure, because the hon. Member for Rathmines (Sir M. Dockrell), who voted for it, represents over 400,000 Southern Unionists?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI hardly think it is necessary to go into that debating point.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill this most admirable principle, sanctioned by Parliament, be applied to England and Scotland? [An HON. MEMBER: "And Wales."]
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWe have come to no decision in the matter.
§ Mr. DEVLINIn view of the fact that the Government have put all the force into carrying this Bill, and the admirable principle has been accepted and sanctioned by Parliament, would it not be well to give its beneficial advantage to England?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am sure that the hon. and learned Gentleman will realise that this is only another example of the universal practise of giving Ireland the preference in good things.
§ Mr. DEVLINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Ireland is so unselfish that she is quite willing to give to England those advantages which England confers on her?