§ 40. Mr. RAFFANasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the results of the County Council Elections in Tyrone and Fermanagh; and, if so, whether, in view of the defeat of the supporters of the right hon. Member for Duncairn, the Government will reconsider its decision as to including these counties in Northern Ireland under the Government of Ireland Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the last part in the negative.
§ Mr. RAFFANMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will not give consideration to the altered circumstances?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not thing there are any altered circumstances. At any rate, all the circumstances can be passed in review on the discussion of the Bill—from which, I understand, the hon. Member has withdrawn.
§ Mr. RAFFANIs it not a fact that I have attended the Debates regularly and that the right hon. Gentleman has been conspicuous by his absence?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf I had had any question to raise on the Debates I certainly would have been present. I am only inviting the hon. Member, if he has anything to say on the subject, to do it on the proper occasion.
§ Mr. RAFFANHas not the House already decided this point upon the information then before it? Will the Government now consider that the circumstances have altered since the decision of the House was reached?
§ Mr. BILLINGMay we take it that in all cases when the Prime Minister is not present he dissociates himself from the actions of the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is too subtle a point.