HC Deb 05 August 1889 vol 339 cc330-1
MR. MAC NEILL (Donegal, S.)

On the 16th of April, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Holmfirth Division (Mr. H. Wilson), the Chief Secretary stated that the cost of the Donegal battering ram was £48 18s. 3½d. If that cost is charged upon the public, the amount should appear somewhere on the Estimates, and we ought to be able to find out from what public fund it comes. Having regard to the fact that the Constabulary Estimate is to be taken to-morrow, will the Solicitor General for Ireland state where this item is to be found?

MR. MADDEN

I am not responsible; but if the hon. Member will give notice, I will make inquiry.

MR. MAC NEILL

May I, then, ask the Secretary to the Treasury under what head of the Estimates the battering ram is charged?

MR. JACKSON

I am unable to answer the question. The accounts do not come before the Treasury.

MR. MAC NEILL

May I ask you, Sir, to whom I am to apply? I have already asked three Officers of the Crown, without effect.

* MR. SPEAKER

It is certainly not for me to answer that question.

MR. MAC NEILL

Then, on my own responsibility, I will put the question to the fountain of all knowledge, the First Lord of the Treasury.

* MR. W. H. SMITH

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give notice of the question.