HC Deb 24 February 1893 vol 9 cc327-8
MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any further Supplementary Estimate will be submitted to the House for the costs of the Commission on Irish Evicted Tenants; and, if not, out of what Vote the costs have been defrayed?

MR. HANBURY (Preston)

Will the right hon. Gentleman also say what arrangement is made as to the remuneration of a Judge of the High Court of Justice who sits on a Commission of this kind? Does his salary run during the time he is absent from his ordinary duty?

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether the salaries of Sir James Hannen and Justices Day and Smith were paid during the sittings of the Parnell Commission?

SIR W. HARCOURT

I will inquire into the way in which the question of Commissioners has been dealt with.

MR. HANBURY

But how has the present case been dealt with?

SIR W. HARCOURT

I cannot answer offhand. In answer to the first question asked, I have to say that no such Supplementary Estimate will be submitted. The cost has been defrayed out of the Vote already taken for temporary Commissions.

MR. BARTLEY

I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the cost of printing necessitated by the Commission on Irish Evicted Tenants has been defrayed out of the Supplementary Estimate, "Stationery Office and Printing," of £35,500; and, if not, out of what Vote it has been paid?

SIR W. HARCOURT

The cost of printing was provided for in the Supplementary Estimate referred to.

MR. BARTLEY

Am I to understand that the expenses of the Commission will be paid without any investigation, inquiry, or discussion in this House, and without the House having any knowledge of the circumstances?

SIR W. HARCOURT

I imagine the House is aware of the circumstances. I have answered the hon. Member's question and have said that provision for the expenditure will not be made by Supplementary Estimate.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

What are the items referred to as "temporary Commissions "?

SIR W. HARCOURT

It would be well to defer questions of this sort until the Supplementary Estimates are before us.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER

I will repeat the question on Monday.