HC Deb 08 August 1896 vol 44 cc228-9

Considered in Committee, and reported without Amendment.

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

moved, "That the Bill be read the Third time."

MR. LOUGH

said that he thought the Bill exceedingly unfair to Ireland. No immediate relief of the rates was to be given to Ireland, as had been given to England and Scotland, the assumption being that Ireland could wait any length of time. The Chief Secretary was greatly to blame for not having insisted on some application of the money in the present year.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

The Irish Member's desired the present arrangement.

MR. LOUGH

said he did not agree with the Irish Members. [Laughter.] He noticed that there was a very imperfect knowledge of finance among the Irish Members. [Laughter.] The rates in Ireland were twice as high as those in England or Scotland. How was it that the Irish landlords had nothing to say on this question? The money was to be put into a taxation account and disposed of "as Parliament may direct." The meaning of that was that the Irish Secretary would listen to every appeal—and God knows there would be plenty appeals made to him—for relief here and there and for jobs of all kinds—[ironical cheers]—yes, Ireland was governed by jobs, especially financial jobs. [Laughter.] He protested against the spirit in which the Government had dealt with Ireland in this matter.

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

was rather opposed to this entire system of dealing with public money. It would be far better to allow local authorities to raise the money required for their own needs out of local rates, for it would tend to far more economy of administration. Having looked over the Bill, he thought the view of the Irish Secretary was absolutely correct; but in dealing with the question next Session he hoped he would overhaul the whole scheme of the Act of 1888.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

thought the suggestion of the hon. and learned Gentleman was one well worthy of consideration, but he apprehended it would be almost impossible for the Government to reopen the existing settlement except by the general consent of Members representing Ireland. If he had such consent he should give serious consideration to the suggestion.

Bill read the Third time, and passed.