HOME RULE BILL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18572, 26 November 1920, Page 5

HOME RULE BILL.

DEBATE IN HOUSE OF LORDS.

Sjr TelograpS—Press Aneociation—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable An&oci&uon, (Received November 25, 7.50 p.m.) LONDON, November 24. The House ol’ Lords resumed the debate on the Home Rule Bill and Lord Dunraven’s amendment. Viscount Grey said that instead of a detailed Bill the Government should have laid down broad lines wherein Ireland should have complete authority, reserving foreign affairs, the Army and Navy. Neither Britain nor Ireland could be defended, unless there was one navy and naval authority. If tho Government gave Ireland fiscal froedom in the hojlo that it would produce peace, something nfight be done with the present Bill. He asked tlie Government to take courage from Imperial history, sucli as tlie case of South Africa, which showed that wo never lost by giving too ,gmch. Until the differences between tho two parts of Ireland wero settled there could be no real settlement of the Irish question. The Marquis of Salisbury stated that Ireland could not be settled on the lines of unity. There were two races and religions, and no sign of their coming together. The Marquis of Londonderry said he believed the Bill contained the ra erms of peace and contentment. Lord Bryce saiu ho did not believe that the Bill was likely to produce a settlement, but he. hoped the debate would result in the Government producing a new scheme, conceding the fullest self-government consistent with England’s control of foreign policy, the Army and Navy. Lord Aberdeen hoped the Government would offer generous amendments in response to Viscount Grey’s suggestions. Lord Mayo said that all Ireland resented partition. Lord Donoughmore opposed Home Rule in any form. Other speeches again revealed remarkable cross-currents. The debate was adjourned. (Reoeived November 25, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, November 25. Lord Midleion will move in the House of Lords to-day a motion to postpone the Home Rule Bill for a fortnight, so as to enable the Government to suggest amendments in the light of the debate. Lord Birkenhead has already intimated that he will regard such an amendment as vital.

It is believed that despite cross-cur-rents a majority for the Bill is assured.