HC Deb 14 July 1890 vol 346 cc1687-8

Order for Committee read. Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Order be discharged and the Bill withdrawn."—(Mr. Secretary Jackson.)

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

On this Motion I beg to ask what provision the Government intend to make in respect of the financial matters with which the Bill deals? Is it intended to make the sum to which Ireland is entitled available for Irish purposes, and, if so, will the purpose be carried out by a clause in the Appropriation Bill, or in some other legislative proposal during the present Session?

MR. A. O'CONNOR

May I also ask what is the intention of the Government with regard to the £1,500,000 of Church surplus money now liberated, and whether in this or in next Session, the Government have considered the possibility or desirability of making some provision towards educational objects in Ireland, especially University education?

MR. T. M. HEALY

It would be well for the Chief Secretary, who has a taste for writing epitaphs, to be present at the solemn obsequies of this measure, and I am sure we would give him a suitable reception on the touching occasion. My hon. Friend has raised a question of the greatest interest, as, indeed, he intimated his intention of doing, and I think it is only right an answer should be given before this Bill is allowed to depart into the limbo of abandoned measures. A sum of £45,000 is liberated, and we are entitled to know what is to become of the money. To use the classic phrase of the First Lord, this money was "earmarked," and we should like to know what is to become of this money after being subjected to this operation. At the same time we should like some statement whether the Government intend to re-introduce the Bill in the same form as now. I think if the Bill is to be re-proposed, the Government will be ill-advised unless they take into account the objections of the Irish Members to the Irish Church surplus being collared in this way. If the Government intend, for Imperial purposes, to pass this Bill in another Session, they should provide Imperial funds for the purpose of buying out Irish landlords, not use Irish local resources for that object.

*THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN, St. George's,) Hanover Square

I did not hear the commencement of the hon. and learned Member's observations, but in regard to what I did hear, I may say I have undertaken that in any case £40,000 shall go to Ireland in the course of the present financial year. The hon. Member has my pledge to that effect, and he may rely upon it being carried out. I do not undertake that the money shall be secured to Ireland in the course of the present Session, but in the course of the present financial year.

Question put, and agreed to.

Order discharged.

Bill withdrawn.