HC Deb 28 April 1920 vol 128 cc1215-6
45. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Prime Minister what amendments the Government intend to propose to the Government of Ireland Bill in order to safeguard the future interests of ex-service men and ex-policemen in Ireland, in view of the fact that the recent official manifesto issued by the new British Ambassador to the United States of America contained the statement that when the Bill becomes operative it will be the duty of all British subjects who are not domiciled in Ireland to stand aside and leave those who live there to solve their own problems?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The proper opportunty for considering amendments to the Bill will be when it comes up for discussion in Committee.

Colonel ASHLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there will be a closure on the Committee stage of this Bill, and that the only opportunity which private Members have of putting down Amendments will be taken away? Therefore I ask what Amendments the Government propose to put into the Bill to safeguard the ex-service men and the policemen?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The hon. and gallant Member is mistaken. The time allowed will be sufficient to enable hon. Members to put down Amendments.

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