HC Deb 14 May 1897 vol 49 cc501-2
MR. J. P. FARRELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in the event of the dropping of the Agriculture and Industries (Ireland) Bill, he can make any statement as to the way in which the Irish Government propose to use the money voted by Parliament as the Irish share of the aid grant for relief of rating in England; whether this sum is suspended simpliciter, or is at interest for the Irish benefit pending its appropriation; and whether any representation has reached him as to the advisability of appointing a Committee, to inquire into the best means to be taken for spending the sum, or will it continue to remain as last year, in case the Agriculture and Industries (Ireland) Bill fails to pass?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

A Question similar to this stands on the Paper for to-day addressed to my right hon. Friend, the First Lord of the Treasury, by the hon. Member for West Islington. I understand my right hon. Friend will be prepared to make a statement on the, subject, if not, today, at all events in the near future. I must ask the hon. Member to wait for that statement.