THE IRISH QUESTION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 200, 3 May 1912, Page 5

THE IRISH QUESTION

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Received 2, 11.25 p.m. London, May 2. Sir R. Findlay warned the Government that persistence with the Home Rule Bill would mean civil war. If federalism was its object, then Ulster*:- laim for separate treatment was irresistible. Colonel Seely said' that if the Nationalist leaders meant what they said, religious intolerance and persecution would be impossible. He believed that the Irish would work the Bill honorably, and make Ireland a bulwark .of British liberties. Mr. William O'Brien declared that the Bill would effect a reconciliation, but the financial proposals were impracticable and could not be final. He trusted that safeguards would be given to Protestants to keep a firm grip of the Irish Parliament. Half the Senators and onefourth of the Commoners should be Protestants.

A Unionist motion, requesting the Government to co-operate with doctors to make insurance efficient, was unexpectedly accepted. Mr. Lloyd George stated that negotiations with doctors were progressing. With a view of securing adequate remuneration, the Government desired to meet the legitimate requests of the Unionist newspapers. He hinted that the acceptance of the motion was due to the small attendance of Ministerialists, and the desire to avoid a division.