HC Deb 27 February 1922 vol 151 cc50-1
Sir D. MACLEAN

Are we to take it as settled that the Irish Bill will be taken on Thursday and Friday of this week?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, I propose to allocate Thursday and Friday, if Friday be needed, for the Committee stage of the Irish Bill, and I hope to proceed with the other stages next week.

Colonel GRETTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government Amendment to the Bill arising out of the Conferences of a few days ago will be put on the Order Paper.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am sorry that my right hon. Friend in charge of the Bill has just left the House, but I will ask him to get the Amendment put on the Paper as soon as possible.

Colonel GRETTON

Will not another Amendment be necessary because of the proposal that a Parliament should be elected to draw up a Constitution under the arrangement now come to that there should be no special Parliament called, but that the Constitution should be submitted to the electors.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

What is proposed is that the Constitution should be published for the information of the electors before they are called upon to vote "yes" or "no" for the acceptance of the Treaty, and that it is not quite the same thing as my hon. and gallant Friend understood.