§ MR. J. J. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, in reference to his statement on 16th February, that he saw nothing in the terms of reference to the new Commission 982 on Financial Relations to preclude that body from inquiring into the amounts expended in England, Ireland, and Scotland respectively, of the sums voted for purposes common to the United Kingdom in the event of the Commission thinking the inquiry relevant, whether he will so alter the terms of reference as not to leave the point of relevancy open to doubt?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYAs I understand the hon. Gentleman's Question he desires me to so alter the terms of the Commission that it should be obligatory on them to inquire into the subject mentioned in the Question. I do not think that would be a proper course to pursue, and I cannot hold out any hope that we shall be able to pursue it. ["Hear, hear!"]