HC Deb 10 November 1920 vol 134 cc1192-3
Mr. ADAMSON

Can the Leader of the House inform us what business will be taken on Friday?

Mr. BONAR LAW

We had intended to take the Agriculture Bill on Friday, but, as the stage at which we are now is one of the most important in connection with the Bill, I am informed that it would be very inconvenient to have it taken on that day. In these circumstances, it will not be taken, and the House will not be asked to sit on Friday.

Mr. DEVLIN

What is the business for to-morrow?

Mr. BONAR LAW

On the assumption that the Report stage of the Government of Ireland Bill will be finished to-night, we shall take the Third Reading of that Bill to-morrow.

Mr. DEVLIN

May I ask whether tomorrow, being a day of great national solemnity in England, the Government will not persist with this most disreputable proposal and farce?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I quite agree with the hon. Member as to the solemnity of the day, but I cannot imagine any subject that is more suitable to take than a measure which is a real attempt to bring about peace in Ireland.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Why run this comedy at the same time? It is not a real attempt.

Mr. DEVLIN

It is a farce.

Dr. MURRAY

Would it not be better that we should not meet to-morrow and meet on Friday instead?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think the solemnity of to-morrow will not be in the least enhanced by neglecting the business of the House.

Major Sir B. FALLE

Have the police authorities made arrangement for securing that Members will be able to get to the House to-morrow?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have no doubt that has been considered by the authorities at Scotland Yard.

Mr. DEVLIN

You will get on very well without them.

Mr. O'CONNOR

I ask in all seriousness whether to-morrow, which is associated with the conclusion of a terrible war and the hope of peace amongst nations, had better not be selected for the discussion of a measure which I regret to say is regarded not as a message of peace, but a message of war in Ireland?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Nothing could be more serious than the endeavour to deal with Ireland. Our Bill is our best effort in that direction, and I cannot think a better day could be found for it.

Mr. DEVLIN

Does the right hon. Gentleman—

Mr. SPEAKER

Order, order!