HC Deb 25 November 1919 vol 121 cc1615-6
48. Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that owing to the refusal of certain Irish Members of Parliament to take their seats a large number of Irish electors are deprived of any opportunity of having their grievances voiced in Parliament, whilst many Irish electors are without Parliamentary representation; and what steps, if any, the Government proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Would the right hon. Gentleman reconsider a suggestion I made some time ago that ho should move for a count of the House, in order that recalcitrant Members may be brought up, in accordance with Parliamentary law, in the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot see any prospect of gain either to the nation or the Government by such a process.

Mr. SWAN

Is it not a fact that these people have voted deliberately for these Members because of the indifference of the Government to put into force the Home Rule Act now on the Statute Book?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think so.