HC Deb 26 January 1897 vol 45 cc513-4
SIR W. DUNN (Paisley)

On behalf of the hon. Member for Dumfries Burghs (Sir ROBERT REID), I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Royal Commission to be appointed upon Financial Relations is to be confined to the case of Ireland, or will be able to deal with the financial relations of other parts of the United Kingdom?

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

I have to say that the same question identically was asked me by the Member for the Stirling Burghs on January 21, and I stated then that I could make no answer on the subject until I was in a position to state to the House what the terms of reference were.

MR. J. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking to the House that before any steps are taken towards the appointment of the new Royal Commission, the day and the opportunity promised for the discussion of the whole subject will be given?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The hon. Gentleman means before the actual appointment?

MR. DILLON

Yes.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Yes, I think objection to that.

MR. CLANCY

I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give an opportunity for discussing the appointment of the Commission?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

There will be no opportunity of discussing the appointment of the Royal Commission.

MR. CLANCY

I did not mean that. I meant the discussion of the general question, and when?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I cannot say that, but I shall be able to state that early next week—possibly before.

DR. R. AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, if we are not satisfied with the verdict of the new Royal Commission, we shall have the power to appoint another Royal Commission? ["Hear, hear!"]

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Certainly—if the hon. Gentleman is in office at the time. [Loud Laughter and cheers.]