THE HOME RULE FIGHT

West Coast Times, 13 June 1912, Page 3

THE HOM E RULE FIGHT

ECONOMIC COMMISSION’S REPORT. ,'PEB Pi TSS ASSOCIATION. — COPY RIP:- < LONDON, June 11. The Commission’s report on the economic position of Ireland says that the Home Rule Bill contains more than the beginning of a national system of protection, and in view of the serious economic disttirbaiyes which the measure will cause, it is essential to maintain trade between Great Britain and Ireland and to adopt a single tariff for the United Kingdom with preference to tho overseas’ dominions. THE BILL IN COMMITTEE..., .ULSTER CLAIMS EXEMPTION. LONDON, June 12. In the House of Commons tho debate on the committee stage of the Homo Rule Bill has opened. An amendment by Captain G. J. Sandys, Unionist Member for Wells, directing tiic committee to divide .the Bill into two parts, tho one dealing with 'the Irish Parliament into two parts, and tho other with tho constitutional' alterations of the Imperial Parliament was negatived. The Hon.. T. C. R. Agar-Robartos, Liberal Member for St. Austell, moved an amendment providing for the exclusion of Antrim Down, Armagh an I Londonderry from tho operation of tho Bill.

Mr. A-xpiith said that any* practical suggestions for rendering safeguards effective would ho welcomed but they were unable to split Ireland into parts.

Mr. A. J. Balfour said Ulster had no quarrel with the English Parliament, and no belief in its unfitness to deal with Irish affairs. If the English Parliament failed with Home Bub in Ireland would the Irish Parliament he any more successful with Ulster? The debate was adjourned.