On Wednesday the Committee stage of the Home Rule Bill
was continued. Mr. Lynn moved that if the Northern and Southern Parliaments should ultimately agree to establish a single Parliament, the necessary Acts constituting that Parlia- ment should be agreed to by an absolute majority of members in each Parliament at the third reading. This was an extremely wise amendment, for nothing would be more disastrous than that a single Parliament should be set up on a scratch vote. Mr. Long expressed the willingness of the Government to reconsider the matter, and the amendment was accordingly withdrawn by leave. Another amendment, moved by Mr. Marriott, prescribed definitely the scope of the legislative functions of the Northern and Southern Parliaments. As the Bill stands the Northern and Southern Parliaments may exercise their authority in all matters which are not reserved to the Government.
