HC Deb 21 April 1896 vol 39 cc1376-7
MR. J. L. CAREW (Dublin, College Green)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether, having regard to the dissatisfaction which exists as to the Irish representation on the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the state of the Licensing Laws in Great Britain and Ireland, and to the fact that no demand for such Inquiry has been made by any Irish body, licensed or temperance, he will, before giving the terms of the reference, dismiss from the scope of the Inquiry the Irish Licensed Trade?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

The names were announced in the House on Tuesday, March 31, and have been approved by Her Majesty. I am sure that the hon. Member does not wish me to repeat them?

MR. M. MCCARTAN (Down, S.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirableness of having on the Royal Commission some gentlemen from Ireland who are familiar with the work of the retail trade?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The hon. Member is aware that the Commission consists only of 24 persons. I know that there has been a certain desire that more representation of Ireland should be on it. Almost every other interest desires to have representation, and if all the wishes were fulfilled evidently the Commission would reach a size which would make it perfectly unworkable. I am afraid it would not be possible to make any alteration now.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Could not the right hon. Gentleman make an addition when the Commission deals with the Irish part of the Question, so that the trade might have a representation?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

It is not for me to say how the Commission will conduct their business, but I imagine they will take evidence, and in respect of the Irish branch of the Question I cannot doubt that they will endeavour to obtain the fullest information.

In answer to MR. MCCARTAN,

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

said: It would not be in our power to give directions to the Commission; but, of course, it is open to any hon. Gentleman to make private representations to the Commission, and if those representations are reasonable they will receive consideration, I have no doubt.