§ Sir D. MACLEANMay I ask the Leader of the House whether he has 228 agreed to the postponement of the Irish Debate fixed for to-morrow, and, if so, what business he proposes to take instead?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI was not aware that there was any agreement for the postponement. The day was given by me because it was asked for. We did not ask for it, and obviously if it is no longer asked for, we do not press it. It is not our business. If the right hon. Gentleman, and those with whom be acts, do not wish the question to be pursued in this House, then—as nobody would desire to have a late sitting to-day if it can be avoided—I propose not to move the suspension of the Eleven o'clock Rule for the Agriculture Bill, but if it be not finished, to make it the first Order to-morrow, and to take subsequently some other small Orders, including the Expiring Laws (Continuance) Bill, the Isle of Man (Customs) Bill, and the Public Works Loans Bill.
§ Sir D. MACLEANIs my right hon. Friend aware that the only reason which has actuated those who desire not to have the Debate to-morrow is that the present moment does not offer a really suitable atmosphere for debating this grave subject, and that it is desired to have the Debate next week?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not wish to have any unnecessary controversy with my right hon. Friend, but I do not in the least agree. As a matter of fact, I think that the reality which has now been made plain to the House and the country makes this a suitable time for the discussion. I would remind my right hon. Friend also that I read in the papers this morning that the Irish Question is to be discussed at Birmingham by Sir John Simon and by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. T. P. O'Connor), and if it be suitable for the platform plainly it is equally suitable for discussion here.
§ Sir D. MACLEANI may tell my right hon. Friend that, under the circumstances he has indicated, we ask for the day to-morrow.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOn the whole I think my right hon. Friend has taken a wise decision. I presume that notice of motion will be given.
§ Mr. DEVLINMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not customary, before a day is fixed, that the convenience of the parties asking for it should be consulted? Is he aware that I asked for the day, that I did not ask for it to be postponed, and that I am delighted the Debate is coming on?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThere seems to have been some misunderstanding. My Noble Friend near me (Ford E. Talbot), who has been in communication on this subject with the hon. Member for the Scotland Division, was led to believe that that hon. Member was speaking for the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. DEVLINMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman was informed by the Chief Whip that the hon. Member for the Scotland Division had a public engagement in the country long since entered into, and that I had stated that the day was not suitable? However, we are now prepared to have it, no matter whom it suits.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe hon. Gentleman is entirely mistaken. No such reason was given to my Noble Friend for the postponement.