HC Deb 10 December 1888 vol 331 cc1719-20

(7.) £720, to complete the sum for the Teachers' Pension Office, Ireland.

(8.) £1,401, to complete the sum for the National Gallery, Ireland.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I suppose we may take this Vote?

DR. TANNER

No.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

had only to repeat his previous observation, that he could not say when they would be able to take the discussion.

MR. SEXTON

said, that this was a Vote for the maintenance of the National Gallery, and for the allowance of £1,000 for the purchase of pictures.

DR. TANNER

said, that the simple reason why he objected to the Vote being taken without discussion was that a great many improvements were taking place in connection with this Department in Dublin. A certain amount of money was being spent, and many people maintained that it could be better and more properly spent. He thought that many hon. Members concurred in the opinion that it would be a great deal better to postpone this Vote; at any time it would not take more than a few minutes to pass, and yet by postponing it an opportunity would be afforded for raising questions it was very desirable should be raised.

Vote agreed to.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

said, if hon. Members would now look at their copies of the Estimates, Class VI., Votes 5 and 6, they would probably allow that these were of a non-contentious character—the first for Pauper Lunatics, the other for Grants to certain Hospitals and Institutions—and allow the same course to be followed with these.