MR. T. M. HEALT (Longford, N.)I desire to know what steps have been taken by the Government in order to ascertain the views of hon. Members from Ireland with reference to the allocation in Ireland of the money released by the dropping of the licensing clauses of the Local Taxation Bill. Does the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury intend to take any step calculated to ensure a general assent to the proposals of the Government?
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHWhen our proposals are made I trust they will be such as will meet with general consent. I cannot at the present moment say more than this.
§ MR. PARNELL (Cork)But we desire to know whether the right hon. Gentleman will undertake to ascertain the opinions of the Irish Members on this matter.
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHA good many suggestions have already been made from the Benches opposite.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)Do the Government intend to make their proposals without any previous consultation with the Representatives of the Irish people?
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHI am not in a position to give an answer to the question at present. I may say, however, that I will endeavour, as far as possible, to learn the views of hon. Members.