HC Deb 17 February 1896 vol 37 cc465-6
MR. T. M. HEALY

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, will the Bill to relieve agricultural depression apply to Ireland?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I am not quite sure to which of the Bills of which notice has been given in reference to agriculture the hon. Gentleman alludes.

MR. T. M. HEALY

The one mentioned in the Queen's Speech.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The Rating Bill is one of the principal Bills dealing with agriculture, and, from the very nature of the case, it cannot apply either to Ireland or to Scotland. But, in so far as that Bill provides for any subventions from public funds, to go directly or indirectly to aid agriculture, of course Ireland will get its full share.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how he proposes to extend this principle to Ireland?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

It is not the principle but the money I was speaking of. [Laughter.]

MR. T. M. HEALY

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how he can extend public money to Ireland without a Bill?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I have no doubt a Bill will, be required for the allocation of money for public purposes, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question on that subject to the Chief Secretary.

MR. T. M. HEALY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary how Ireland is to get the benefit of measures for the relief of agricultural depression promised for England?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I propose to bring in Bills by which that money shall be allocated; but it does not necessarily follow that the Bills will embody the principle of the English Bills.

MR. CHANNING

Will the right hon. Gentleman's answer with regard to Ireland apply also to Scotland?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Yes, it will.