§ 34. Major O'NEILLasked the Prime Minister what is the reason for the delay in proceeding with the Irish Land Bill which was introduced last Session?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI regret that, owing to the exigencies of Parliamentary business, it has not been possible up to the present to re-introduce this Bill.
§ Major O'NEILLDoes the right hon. Gentleman remember that he stated to me more than a year ago that this Bill was a necessary corollary to the Government of Ireland Act, and that it would be passed concurrently with that Act? Is he now aware that the Government of Ireland Act has been passed for some months?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have a recollection that I gave a pledge in the House that a Bill would be brought forward, but we found it very difficult to find time. The Bill has been prepared, and I hope it will be re-introduced shortly.
§ Major O'NEILLDoes the right hon. Gentleman not know that this Bill will be practically non-contentious, and that if it should go to a Standing Committee, it will pass very quickly?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes it involve any charge on the Exchequer of this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROh, yes. I am afraid my hon. and gallant Friend (Major O'Neill) is taking much too sanguine a view of the prospect of obtaining unanimity for the voting of money from the British Exchequer to Ireland. I do not think British Members take quite the same view, because we know that the Bill does contain contentious possibilities, and we cannot find time to press it.
§ Major O'NEILLWill the right hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the Government, restate the pledge he has given—that this Bill is to be taken up by the Government, and passed if the Government can pass it?