§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, with reference to the debate on Ireland, I desire to ask the Lord Chancellor whether the Government are in a position to make a statement about the crisis in Ireland, and, if not, when they will be in a position to do so?
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I should, of course, be willing to place your Lordships in possession of all such facts relating to the situation in Ireland as could be made plain to-day, but I am of opinion that it would be better for this House to conform to the decision which has been taken in another place—namely, that a statement on behalf of the Government should be made there to-morrow. I think it will be made formally on the Motion that the House do adjourn. A statement could, of course, be made here with equal convenience upon the Motion of the noble Marquess, if it be repeated to-morrow. I think, on the whole, that it would be better if it were postponed, because, although it is true that the statement would probably not be made with finality, we do gain at least twenty-four hours in a period in which discussion and deliberation are proceeding almost without interruption. I shall be able to make a very candid statement to your Lordships to-morrow as to the precise situation as we see it.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYIn those circumstances it would probably be for the convenience of your Lordships if I did not proceed with the Motion which stands in my name on the Paper this afternoon, and I will postpone it, therefore, until to-morrow. It is possible that when your Lordships reach the Order to-day, I may have one or two words to say in postponing it, but I should like to assure the House that it will not be troubled with anything like a discussion this evening.