§ 11. Sir JOHN BUTCHERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the House will be given the opportunity during the passage of the Bill for confirming the Free State Constitution, or on some other occasion, of considering, and, if necessary, amending, the terms and conditions on which public servants in Ireland will retire, or be discharged, and pensioned, so far at any rate as these terms and conditions are not settled by the Government of Ireland Bill, 1920?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Sir Hamar Greenwood)My right hon. Friend (Mr. Churchill) has asked me to answer this question. Yes, Sir. I hope that an opportunity for considering this matter will arise during the passage through this House of the Bill for confirming the Free State Constitution.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERShall we have an opportunity, then, of amending, if necessary, the provisions for dealing with civil servants?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI cannot add anything to the answer I have given to my hon. and learned Friend.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERHave the Government really not made up their mind as to whether this House is to have an opportunity of considering the terms under which our Civil Service in Ireland is to be dealt with?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have answered my hon. and learned Friend. This identical question has been dealt with several times in the course of debate, and will be effectively dealt with, I hope, when the debate arises with which my answer deals.
Sir J.BUTCHERCannot the right hon. Gentleman answer a very simple question? Will this House be able to amend, if desired, the provisions dealing with the Civil Service?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODOf course the House will have absolute power to reject or amend the Constitution, or do exactly what it likes.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERI am very sorry, but what I want to know is whether, if we do not desire to reject these provisions, we can amend them in such a way as will be in consonance with justice?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for each individual Member.