HC Deb 17 March 1879 vol 244 c1028
MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government, during the present Session, to make arrangements for having an official representative of the Irish branch of the Treasury charged with the duty of explaining to the House the acts of the Treasury with regard to Ireland; if so, whether it is by Bill, on the Estimates, or by some other and what mode of procedure the proposal of these arrangements is to be made to the House?

SIR HENRY SELWIN-IBBETSON

If the hon. and learned Gentleman will allow me, I propose to answer the Question. It is at present certainly the intention of Her Majesty's Government during the present Session, if possible, to make arrangements such as those suggested by the Question of the hon. and learned Member. For that alone neither a Bill nor an increase of the Estimates would be required. But, as we hope to be able to make alterations in the powers of the Board of Works with a view of carrying out some of the recommendations of the Committee, an amending Bill for that purpose may be necessary, and it might then be considered whether alterations in the constitution of the Board might not be embodied in it.