HC Deb 04 May 1920 vol 128 cc1885-6
47. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that on the Second Reading of the Government of Ireland Bill the only Irish representatives who voted were amongst those who opposed the Bill, he will withdraw this Bill, which has no Parliamentary or other support from the country to which the Bill is to apply, and will devote the time allocated to the Committee and other stages of the Bill to passing into Law a measure dealing with agriculture in England, for which there is urgent need and widespread support in this country?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer is in the negative.

Colonel ASHLEY

Does that mean that either England is to have no Agricultural Bill this year, or that we shall be compelled to have an Autumn Session, with all its grave inconveniences, especially to Government Departments, in order to pass it?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for argument.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in connection with the same decision, the four Ulster Unionists who were Members of the Government did not vote in support of the Government Bill, and is there any precedent for that?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That does not arise out of the question.

Mr. MacVEAGH

No, but it is very interesting.

Mr. BONAR LAW

The question is really one which was debated on the Second Reading, and can hardly be dealt with by question and answer.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Not their abstention.