HC Deb 11 February 1898 vol 53 cc366-7
MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, North)

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, as it is doubtful whether a debate could be raised after midnight on the new Rules affecting Irish teachers' pensions under the Act of 1879, the Government will afford an early opportunity for discussing the matter?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Personally, I should be glad if this matter could be debated soon, though there is no question of urgency involved, as the new Rules are already law. Perhaps some arrangement might be come to with respect to the Irish Education Estimates, which would enable this to be done. I will communicate with my right hon. Friend and with the Irish Secretary on the matter.

MR. CARSON (Dublin University)

Might I ask my hon. Friend if there is any other way to test the legality of these Rules except by discussing them here?

MR. T. M. HEALY

I should ask the right hon. Gentleman, having regard to the reason and spirit of the Act of 1879, that these Rules should not be enforced pending a discussion in Parliament?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

It is not in my power to do that, the Rules having by the Act the force of law.