§ MR. W. A. MACDONALD (Queen's Co., Ossory)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he has yet determined how the sum of £127,000, granted this year for the relief of local taxation in Ireland, is to be expended; and, if so, 1773 whether he will lay his proposals before the House?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)The matter has been engaging the attention of the Government, and we have elaborated a plan; but I am unwilling to give a detailed answer until the House has come to a final decision on the principles which are to govern the allocation of the grant in England.
§ MR. W. A. MACDONALDasked, if the right hon. Gentleman would give the House an opportunity of considering the plan laid out by the Government?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURsaid, that was a Question for the Leader of the House.
§ MR. W. A. MACDONALDasked the First Lord of the Treasury, whether he would give an opportunity before the conclusion of the Session for considering any scheme which the Government might put forward for spending this £127,000?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)Most certainly, Sir. An opportunity must be offered for the consideration of the question by the House.