HC Deb 09 March 1893 vol 9 cc1450-1
MR. HUNTER (Aberdeen, N.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government will consent to the appointment of a Committee to inquire into the financial relations of Scotland to the Imperial Exchequer, in continuation of the inquiry commenced but not concluded in the last Parliament into the financial relations of England, Ireland, and Scotland?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE,) Edinburgh, Midlothian

I much regret the delay which has occurred with regard to this matter, but since last year Irish finance has been put into a position which must make it certain that it will undergo the thorough consideration of the House; and, that being so, I am of opinion that it would not be expedient to appoint a Committee at the present time to examine into the Scotch portion of the subject, for the reason that a great deal of light will be thrown on the subject by the discussion which will take place on the Irish branch of the question.

DR. CLARK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present relations are based on a Return of four years ago, and that in one case a sum of £18,500 too little was allocated to Scotland?

MR. W. E. GLADSTONE

I am not conversant with the details.

MR. HUNTER

I beg to give the light hon. Gentleman notice that I shall take the first opportunity that offers to call attention to the fact that Scotland is overcharged to the extent of £1,500,000 per annum.