§ 52. Lieut. - Colonel HOWARD - BURYasked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce the Financial Resolutions guaranteeing the principal and interest of the Four and a-half per Cent. Land Stock for the Irish Land Purchase Bill of 1923?
§ Mr. CLYNESI cannot name a definite date; but the Government hope to find time for the consideration of these Resolutions in the near future.
§ Lieut. - Colonel HOWARD - BURYCould the right hon. Gentleman give us a more definite assurance? For the past three months we have always been told that it would be an early date. Can he say that it will be within the next fortnight or three weeks, without committing himself to one particular day?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is now a very long outstanding question, and will he not consider the advisability of settling it once and for all?
§ Mr. CLYNESAs the Session advances we shall, no doubt, receive a fuller measure of co-operation from all quarters of the House in respect of Parliamentary business, and, therefore, we hope that the date is not far off.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORECould not the right hon. Gentleman say quite definitely whether it is possible to deal with these Resolutions before the Autumn Session, in order that people in Ireland may know where they are. Sales are being held up at the present moment on account of the uncertainty that exists.
§ Mr. CLYNESWe certainly hope to find time before the Autumn Session.