§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to publish papers forthwith explaining the terms of the Irish Agreement communicated to the House last night, particularly a statement showing what liabilities this country incurs under it?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)No liability is incurred as a result of the new Agreement. A full explanation will be given when legislation is introduced next week. I hope to announce the business for next week at the close of the present sitting; but it may be for the convenience of Members to say now that I think it is most probable that the House will be asked to take the necessary legislation on Tuesday.
§ Mr. MacDONALDWill it not be for the convenience of the House, as it was a statement by reference, that the provisions should be set forth in a White Paper, so that we may have the Agreement explained in one short document?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will consider that. The right hon. Gentleman was good enough to speak to me last night. I desired to communicate with him, and I have written to him this morning. As the House is aware, the practice of the White Paper is due to the fact that, on the discussion on a Financial Resolution, Members found it a great help to have some explanation of 2706 the details in a White Paper. On Financial Resolutions you are dealing with fixed and ascertainable figures. What I am asked to do here is to issue a White Paper explaining in effect what are items of a Bill. It is the custom in this House to make such an explanation on the Second Reading. When I tell the House that there are no liabilities, it will be plain that nothing of the kind would go into a White Paper. As to what might be or might not be payable by Ireland in certain circumstances is so much a matter of conjecture that it would be quite impossible to get it into a White, Paper. But I will take note of what the right hon. Gentleman says, and if it be possible and convenient, I will do so.
§ Mr. MacDONALDI do not want to press the Prime Minister unduly, but may I remind him that it is very often the practice, in introducing a Bill, to preface it with a memorandum explaining its provisions and details. If the right hon. Gentleman would issue such a memorandum as a preface to this Bill, setting out what the Bill really means in relation to the Treaty, it would be for the convenience of Members.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNDo I understand that the Bill will be presented and printed on Tuesday?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI hope to say definitely at 4 o'clock. I am very anxious to get it passed through this House at the very earliest moment. I would like to get it passed here before it is passed in Ireland. I understand a statement will be made in the Northern Parliament on Wednesday. I have no information as to when it will be taken in the Dail. But I hope to make a further statement at 4 o'clock.