HC Deb 28 June 1920 vol 131 c131
The CHAIRMAN

The Amendment on the Paper in the name of the hon. Member for East Down (Mr. Reid) deals with a matter which was settled on the last Clause.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

7.0 P.M.

Captain BENN

Are we going really to pass whole Clauses of this Bill without a word of explanation from the Government? Does it not show that the whole thing is a farce? That is how it strikes me. There are, however, I presume Members of Parliament who imagine that in this Bill they are framing a Constitution for Ireland—

The CHAIRMAN

These remarks are quite irrelevant. It is not necessary for Ministers to get up and explain every Clause. The Question I have put is, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill," and the hon. and gallant Member must address his remarks to that point.

Captain BENN

I submit I am asking the Government whether they are going to explain these special provisions. They are not, apparently. They have pursued this course on several occasions. It is a matter of pure indifference to me, because I do not believe this Clause will ever become operative; but I do ask, is it consistent with the self-respect of the Committee that whole Sections of the Bill should be passed without a word of explanation or defence from occupants of the Treasury Bench?

Question put, and agreed to.